North Kingstown's Melissa Devine Running For State Rep.

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — State Rep. Julie Casimiro will face a challenger in the Democratic primary in District 31 this September.

North Kingstown resident Melissa Devine declared her candidacy for the seat, which represents parts of North Kingstown and Exeter.

Devine, a University of Rhode Island graduate, and Leadership Rhode Island alumna, said she's worked in improving North Kingstown's economic development, tourism and climate adaptation initiatives. She also volunteered with the Blue Bus Foundation, the North Kingstown Arts Council and has been involved in local politics including membership on the Board of the North Kingstown Democratic Town Committee.

"Having been at the State House at hearings, and testifying on some contentious legislation, I’ve realized how important it is to stay involved," Devine said in a statement. "There are very real implications to our daily lives with bills such as the women’s reproductive health act and on-going sensible gun legislation. Specifically, the high capacity magazine limit bill that was voted down by my legislator, was the moment that made me realize I should step into the race. There is too much at stake, and if I can be another emphatic voice for change to these existing laws, it really matters right now. I’m passionate about a number of pressing issues and am poised to defend them."

Devine said she wants to focus on four key issues. They include gun legislation, environmental issues, protection of women's rights and affordable elder care.

With gun legislation, Devine said she's already been working with Moms Demand Action and will work on bills to protect kids in schools from gun violence.

With climate issues, Devine said she's concerned with rising sea levels, intensifying storms and environmental toxins affecting clean air, the health of residents and their property values. She said she will advocate for policies aimed at making Rhode Island a healthier place to live and raise children.

In regard to reproductive rights, Devine said she advocated at the State House to help pass the Woman's Reproductive Privacy Act, which codified abortion rights in Rhode Island law in 2019. She said she'll continue to fight to keep protections in place.

And with affordable elder care, Devine said she can relate, because she is the primary caregiver for both her parents. She said she'll raise awareness for home modification options and elder protections. She said sh'll also advocate for accessible and affordable public transportation, to help seniors that can no longer drive meet their health are and daily needs.