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Rhode Island Senate Confirms Four Judicial Nominees; McCaffrey Draws Floor Opposition
Summary
The Senate gave advice and consent to four judicial nominees — Shannon Signore, Alberto Aponte Cardona, Andrea Iannazzi and Michael McCaffrey — with McCaffrey’s nomination sparking the most floor debate and passing 27–8.
The Rhode Island Senate on the floor gave its advice and consent to four judicial nominees on Tuesday, confirming Shannon Signore to the Superior Court, Alberto Aponte Cardona and Andrea Iannazzi to the Family Court, and Michael McCaffrey to the District Court.
The Judiciary Committee recommended all four nominees. Chairman LaMountain introduced each nominee and senators from across the chamber spoke in support of the nominees’ qualifications. The consent calendar was adopted earlier in the session by a 35–0 vote.
Shannon Signore, nominated to the Superior Court, was described by Chairman LaMountain as someone who "exemplifies the very best of our judicial system," citing more than two decades with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office and recognition from judicial colleagues. The Senate granted advice and consent by a recorded tally of 34–1.
Magistrate Alberto Aponte Cardona, recommended for the Family Court, was praised for his lived experience and work on the bench since 2019; the chamber voted 36–0 to confirm him.
Andrea Iannazzi, standing for promotion to associate justice of the Family Court, drew support for her years on family-court calendars and community service; the Senate’s vote to confirm was 35–1.
Michael McCaffrey’s nomination to the District Court generated the most floor attention. Supporters, including senators who served with McCaffrey, noted his more than three decades of district-court experience and leadership on criminal-justice reforms that created specialized calendars and other treatment-based programs. Chairman Basilian told colleagues: "Despite rumors and innuendo, Michael's experience most directly aligns with the needs of our justice system." Opponents, led in a lengthy floor statement by Senator Bell, cited past votes and constituent concerns about McCaffrey’s historical positions and said those earlier stances gave them pause on a lifetime judicial appointment. Bell opened his remarks noting, "Voting against Mike McCaffrey was my first vote in the Senate," and described why he would again oppose this specific nomination.
After extended debate, the Senate voted 27–8 to give advice and consent on McCaffrey’s nomination. Senators who supported him emphasized his record on criminal-justice reform, expungement efforts and courtroom experience; those opposing cited earlier policy positions and concerns raised by constituents.
Votes at a glance: • Shannon Signore — Associate Justice, Rhode Island Superior Court — Advice and consent: 34 yes, 1 no. • Alberto Aponte Cardona — Associate Justice, Rhode Island Family Court — Advice and consent: 36 yes, 0 no. • Andrea Iannazzi — Associate Justice, Rhode Island Family Court — Advice and consent: 35 yes, 1 no. • Michael McCaffrey — Associate Judge, Rhode Island District Court — Advice and consent: 27 yes, 8 no.
Following the confirmations, senators introduced nominees’ family and colleagues in the gallery. The Senate concluded its business with committee announcements and adjourned in memory of Dolores Malillo.
The Senate did not attach additional conditions to these confirmations on the floor; all four nominees were presented to the chamber with committee recommendations and were confirmed by recorded tallies as noted above.
