Valerie J. Lawson Elected President of the Rhode Island Senate After Floor Vote

Senator Valerie J. Lawson was elected president of the Rhode Island Senate on a roll-call vote after the floor closed to nominations and members announced their choices.

During a session that opened with a moment honoring the late Senate President Dominic J. Ruggiero, the Senate clerk read two communications from the Democratic caucus endorsing Lawson and announcing Senator Frank A. Chacon III as majority leader. The chair opened the floor to nominations for the office of Senate president, and members nominated three candidates: Senator Valerie J. Lawson, Senator Ryan Pearson and Minority Leader Jessica Dela Cruz.

Senator Urso nominated Lawson, praising her record on education and service to working families. Senator Murray seconded the nomination and said Lawson values an inclusive, collaborative process. Senator Quesada nominated Pearson and outlined his experience, particularly in education matters; Senator Oyer delivered a lengthy seconding speech praising Pearson’s outreach and urging members "do not believe the rumor mill," adding "we should be public servants." Senator Rogers nominated Dela Cruz as a bipartisan alternative.

The chamber voted by roll call after the presiding officer closed nominations. The clerk announced the results: "Madam president, we have 24 votes for senator Lawson, 8 votes for senator Pearson, and 4 votes for senator Dela Cruz." The presiding officer declared Valerie J. Lawson elected president of the Rhode Island Senate for the 2025–2026 term. Secretary of State Greg Amori was introduced to administer the oath; Kathleen McCabe and Carrie Lawson held the Bible for the president-elect.

In brief remarks after being sworn in, Senator Lawson thanked colleagues, acknowledged the recent losses in the chamber and said she was honored to serve. She pledged to "work tirelessly" and said, "my door is always always open," and she congratulated Frank Chacon on his selection as majority leader. Lawson said she looks forward to working with committee chairs and members as the chamber enters the final weeks of the legislative session.

Following the election, senators made routine announcements about committee meetings and introduced guests in the gallery, including constituents and Second Amendment supporters. The presiding whip moved to adjourn; the motion carried and the Senate adjourned, with the presiding officer noting the Senate will convene a floor session the next day in remembrance of Dominic J. Ruggiero.

What’s next: committees are scheduled to meet at the rise and the Senate will hold a memorial floor session the next day; lawmakers also signaled continued work on the final floor calendar for the session.