RI Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, 76, Dies: See Legacy Colleagues Say He Will Leave

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, 76, has died after battling cancer and other ailments, his office confirmed Monday.

Ruggerio was hospitalized again last week. He was the longest-serving member of the Rhode Island General Assembly.

A Democrat from North Providence, Ruggerio, was first elected in 1985. He had served in the senate's leadership for nearly a quarter-century, becoming majority whip in 2003. In 2010, he became senate majority leader and eventually ascended to senate president in 2017.

"Senate President Ruggerio will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment to supporting working families and strengthening Rhode Island’s economy," Gov. Dan McKee said. "His service and thoughtful leadership have made Rhode Island a better place, and his legacy will leave a lasting impact on our state for generations to come. It was my honor to work alongside him."

Ruggerio was a self-described moderate Democrat. He leaned conservative on issues like abortion and gun rights, though his stances shifted in his later years. In 2023, Ruggerio cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee, allowing the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act to advance to the full senate. His colleagues also described him as a strong voice for labor and small businesses.

“Senate President Dominick Ruggerio’s passing is a significant loss for Rhode Island — a place he loved deeply and fought for until the very end,” U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo (D-Pawtucket), said. “Donny was a champion for working people. From infrastructure to labor protections, he believed that our state’s progress is ultimately a result of the hard work of our people. I will keep his children, grandchildren, loved ones, colleagues through his decades of service, and his loyal staff in my prayers. Through so many, his legacy will live on.”

"Today we mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant in Senate President Dominick Ruggerio; one who displayed true leadership in addressing the state’s most pressing issues, from the opioid crisis to climate change and everything in between," Attorney General Peter Neronha said. "Mr. Ruggiero led until the very end, demonstrating the same courage and tenacity in illness as he did his entire life, because of his steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders."

Ruggerio's death will trigger a contest to elect a new Senate president. It is not clear who will succeed him, but one likely candidate is Senate Majority Leader Val Lawson, who Ruggerio appointed last fall Lawson is also the president of Rhode Island's teachers' union.

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