Rhode Island
19 Trending Private Event Venues in Rhode Island Right Now
Rhode Island, despite being the smallest state in the country, boasts an extensive list of exceptional venues for private events. Its strategic location between NY and Boston makes it an ideal choice for events and gatherings of various types and sizes. To highlight some of the highly recommended event venues in the state, I’ve curated a list of 19 event spaces that are trending RIGHT NOW in Rhode Island. Explore these top-notch venues that offer impeccable food, facilities, and amenities for any occasion!
SEE ALSO: 10 Best Family Friendly Event Venues in Rhode Island
1. Hope Events on Main
1005 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
As you step into Hope Events on Main, you are greeted by an enchanting atmosphere that seamlessly blends modern elegance with timeless charm. The venue boasts a versatile space that can be transformed to suit your unique vision for the perfect wedding day or any other special occasion. Whether you envision a grand affair or an intimate gathering, The Hope Events on Main team is a dedicated team committed to bringing your dreams to life.
Reserve Hope Events on Main: https://restaurent.com/venue/hope-events-on-main/
2. Atrium on Main
285 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Atrium on Main is perfect for any event. The spacious 1500sqft event space can be transformed to fit your needs and style! Not only can you rent our dining room for your big parties like weddings and networking events, but we also have a 1700sqft event space downstairs and are no stranger to hosting birthdays, baby showers, and everything else you can imagine! If you’re curious about the space feel free to stop in for a tour on weekday mornings. The Atrium on Main has a coffee shop serving up drinks and delicious pastries when the venue is not reserved for an event. Available parking lot on site.
Reserve Atrium on Main: https://restaurent.com/vendor/atriumonmain/
3. Machines With Magnets
400 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Discover an arts haven just outside Providence, Rhode Island. Machines with Magnets is a unique venue since 2007, blending an established art gallery, music performance space, and a welcoming patio. Impeccable service, diverse bar offerings, and a standing capacity for 200 guests. Perfect for your special occasion, offering contemporary art exhibits, A/V amenities, and a seamless planning experience. Your special occasion begins here, where creativity meets celebration!
Reserve Machines With Magnets: https://restaurent.com/venue/machines-with-magnets/
EXPLORE 100+ VENUES IN RHODE ISLAND: Find the best venue for any event
4. Maria’s Cucina
477 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909
Maria’s Cucina is the perfect spot in Providence, RI to hold your next special event! We are conveniently located near Federal Hill at 477 Broadway Providence, RI 02909. We offer a large parking lot with plenty of off-street parking. We do all types of events, from political fundraisers, anniversaries, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, corporate events, collations/bereavements, Etc. Our second level can seat up to 70 people. The first floor is available based upon your event, up 60 seated or 125 buffet style or cocktail party. (Handicap Accessible). We offer both sit down/plated service, buffet style options. Your choice, either off the menu or customize select menu options
Reserve Maria’s Cucina: https://restaurent.com/venue/marias-cucina/
5. Waterman Grille
4 Richmond Square, Providence, RI 02906
Offering a setting that is unlike any other in Providence, Waterman Grille is situated along the Seekonk River in a former bridge gatehouse that dates back to 1871. Waterman Grille offers an array of custom spaces for your private event, each highlighting the dramatic and romantic character of our historic building. From small intimate parties to corporate meetings or social gatherings to formal celebrations and wedding receptions, our choice of three private event rooms and outdoor patio space will be sure to accommodate all your event needs, up to 150 people. No matter your preference, you will be pleased with our unique location and our ability to accommodate all your event requests.
Reserve Waterman Grille: https://restaurent.com/venue/waterman-grille/
6. Mill’s Tavern
101 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903
Mill’s Tavern is known for its extensive and award-winning wine selection and was the recipient of Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence.
Celebrate your family, friends and business associates with a classic and comfortable atmosphere for Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Receptions, Holiday Parties and more! Our inviting space is enhanced with personalized menus and professional, attentive service. Our menus change seasonally based on the best local meats, seafood and produce. Create a memorable intimate gathering in our charming private dining room that can accommodate up to 25 guests. Larger parties can be accommodated throughout the restaurant. Our space is ready to host up to 125 of your guests! We love hosting birthdays, wedding rehearsals, baby/bridal showers, graduation parties and corporate dinners!
Reserve Mill’s Tavern: https://restaurent.com/venue/mills-tavern/
7. Provence Sur Mer
39 Touro St, Newport, RI 02840
Provence sur Mer is a unique event space in Newport’s historic Washington Square. Housed in a mid-1800s building, surrounded by iconic structures, our venue offers a distinct experience. Enjoy our exceptional outdoor garden and patio area with landscaping, seasonal decor and stone fire pit. Inside, our French-inspired design includes a Baby Grand Piano, elegant bar, gas fireplace, and more. Provence sur Mer is the ideal location for weddings, corporate meetings, and special events!
Reserve Provence Sur Mer: https://restaurent.com/venue/provence-sur-mer/
8. Cassarino’s Restaurant
177 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903
From office events to birthday parties, any celebration can benefit from great food and attentive staff. Contact Cassarino’s Restaurant when you’re looking for Providence events and catering you can trust. We’ve been the premier restaurant for delectable Italian cuisine since 1988. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust our top-tier customer service to make your event stand out. Make sure it’s the best one yet with Italian food from Cassarino’s Restaurant. We provide catering for all occasions and events. Ask about our exceptional menu today! Located in the Historic Federal Hill of Providence, Rhode Island, and is sure to be a hit with all of your guests. There is a reason people trust Cassarino’s with their party and event needs!
Reserve Cassarino’s Restaurant: https://restaurent.com/venue/cassarinos-restaurant-third-floor/
9. La Forge Casino Restaurant
186 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Established in 1880, the restaurant overlooks the historic grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. A view, special to La Forge, that reflects the rich history and heritage of Newport, Rhode Island. We are open year round, serving our guests daily, as well as offering bespoke private dining areas to Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Outings, Bus Tours and other Group Functions. We have long been the premier choice for many of Newport’s social gatherings such as the Miss Rhode Island Pageant, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, The Newport Rugby Club, and Newport Hospital to name a few. Whether your group is 15 or 150 people, there is no event too big or small. We take a lot of pride in the execution of every event we orchestrate and can even cater your off-site event for any number of guests. Our picturesque setting and abilities to customize events are only limited by our guest’s imagination!
Reserve La Forge Casino Restaurant: https://restaurent.com/venue/la-forge-casino-restaurant/
10. Saje Kitchen
332 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903
Saje Kitchen is a contemporary American restaurant fused with southern Inspirations open from brunch until dinner. Saje Kitchen would be honored to provide our services for your next event! Each event is bespoke to your tastes and needs, to provide the best experience possible for you and your guests. Whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, office function, or any other special event, we’ll do our best to accommodate your desired date and any requests you may have to make your party/celebration memorable.
Reserve Saje Kitchen: https://restaurent.com/venue/saje-kitchen/
11. Bistro 22
22 Midway Rd, Cranston, RI 02920
Experience Bistro 22, where the timeless allure of rustic comfort meets the warmth of family-friendly charm. Prepare to create unforgettable memories at your private event or large party in our contemporary eatery. Indulge in our culinary delights crafted from fresh seasonal ingredients, combining cherished old classic dishes and dishes with a modern Italian flare. Our superb wine selection will elevate your celebration to new heights. Whether you choose to revel in our inviting indoor ambiance or bask in the delightful outdoor seating, every moment at Bistro 22 will be filled with exceptional flavors and cherished moments. Book your event with us and ensure an extraordinary experience that will be remembered for years to come!
Reserved Bistro 22: https://restaurent.com/venue/bistro-22/
12. WXYZ Bar
191 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903
WXYZ Bar. Serving inventive drinks, craft beers and small bites, our inviting restaurant and cocktail bar in downtown Providence is ideal for unwinding with friends or networking with colleagues. WXYZ Is always serving up new and inventive drinks every day of the week. We are available for private and semi-private bookings for small to large parties. We offer a full bar and small bites to accompany your delicious drinks. WXYZ can also handle overnight accommodations as we are located in the Aloft hotel in Providence RI!
Reserve WXYZ Bar: https://restaurent.com/venue/wxyz-bar/
13. Thirsty Beaver
288 Atwood Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
The Thirsty Beaver Hometown Pub & Grub; a stylish yet classic pub-staurant set in a distinctive & vibrant log cabin. The perfect space for family friendly and nightlife events. The Thirsty Beaver has 5 locations across Rhode Island and Mass in Cranston, Smithfield, North Kingston, Westerly, and Foxboro.
Reserve Thirsty Beaver: https://restaurent.com/vendor/the-thirsty-beaver/
14. The Event Factory
144 Metro Center Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886
The Event Factory is a crafted event space designed to enhance your vision for any special occasion. The venue has multiple conference or rehearsal rooms with stages of multiple sizes, along with open space rooms with theater style seating, a prep/catering kitchen, and lighting and sound packages. The Event Factory is the perfect blank canvas for Weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Milestone Birthdays, Corporate Events, Dance Recitals and More.
Reserve Event Factory: https://restaurent.com/vendor/hugo-adames1gmail-com/
15. The Centredale Revival
2025 Smith St, North Providence, RI 02911
American comfort food and cocktails – The Centredale Revival will make the perfect welcoming atmosphere for your next event. The venue can be transformed into a spacious layout to allow for mixing and mingling at a networking style event. There is even a small stage for the host to say a few words or for a DJ/music performance. The tables and chairs can all be brought back out to create a space for enjoying all the food their great menu has to offer at your next family event like a birthday party or reunion.
Reserve The Centredale Revival: https://restaurent.com/venue/centerdale-revival/
16. Long Live Beerworks
40R Sprague St, Providence, RI 02907
At Long Live Beerworks we are passionate about brewing great beers and creating a comfortable and welcoming environment in which to enjoy them! Our prime location on Providence’s West End / South Side border is accessible to many visitors. The building features lots of natural light, exposed brick and carefully considered architectural touches, including a mezzanine with lots of seating. It is the perfect venue for your next gathering!
Reserve Long Live Beerworks: https://restaurent.com/venue/1378/
17. Rooftop at the G
100 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903
Rooftop at the Providence G is Downtown Providence’s premier rooftop restaurant and lounge that is weatherized and open year-round. Guests can enjoy stunning and unobstructed views of Providence’s famous skyline perfectly paired with a distinct food and drink menu, and live entertainment! The perfect venue for your next party or corporate event.
Reserve Rooftop at the G: https://restaurent.com/venue/rooftop-at-the-g/
18. Moonshine Alley – Music City
52 Pine St, Providence, RI 02903
Music City is the ideal choice for your group gathering & dining experience. Ambiance, food & drink, and entertainment… all with that southern twang!
Whether you’re hosting a birthday or holiday party, corporate event, or just gathering with friends & family for a night of Nashville, Moonshine Alley is sure to impress!
Reserve Moonshine Alley: https://restaurent.com/venue/moonshine-alley-music-city/
19. 345 by Plant City Speakeasy and Cocktail Bar
345 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903
345 by Plant City is a plant-based and vegan speakeasy lounge & mixology cocktail bar. Located next door to the main Plant City building, the intimate bar and seating area is a cozy home for creative small plates and innovative drinks. The rotating menu features an ever-changing array of eclectic concoctions, fresh mocktails, and elevated snacks. The space is perfect for those looking for a stylish, sleek, and elegant get together, while making sure that all of the products they are consuming are plant-based and ethically sourced. We love hosting events for charities, networking, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries and corporate events!
Reserve 345 by Plant City Speakeasy and Cocktail Bar: https://restaurent.com/venue/345-speakeasy/
Consider these event spaces the next time you’re planning a holiday party, birthday party, bachelorette party, bridal shower, business dinner, company get together, brand activation or investor meeting!
Rhode Island
Rhode Island FC Playoff Game Watch Party at the Guild this Weekend – Rhode Island Monthly
Head to the Pawtucket brewery this Saturday night to watch the local football club compete in its second playoff game.
Rhode Island FC (RIFC) made it to the playoffs in its first season and after winning against Indianapolis’s Indy Eleven last weekend, they’re taking on their next opponent in the club’s second playoff game this Saturday. RIFC will compete against the number one team in the league, Louisville City FC, on the opposing team’s home turf.
You can watch the two teams go head-to-head at the Guild in Pawtucket Saturday night for a special watch party event, featuring the brewery’s RIFC Pale Ale — “The Official Craft Beer of Rhode Island FC” — an American-style pale ale that was created especially for the local team by the Guild Brewing Company.
It’s sure to be a close one, with both teams performing similarly well — both RIFC and Louisville have not lost in seven matches since late September, and Louisville leads the league with a 24W-6L-4D record, which rivals RIFC’s 12W-15D-7L regular season record. Even though RIFC has a weaker record than Louisville, they’re the only club in the USL Championship that Louisville failed to beat in multiple meetings this season.
If you want to watch the match with fellow RIFC fans, be sure to head over to the Guild this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. And if you can’t make it to the Pawtucket brewery, the match will also be streamed live at breweries and sports pubs across the Ocean State, like the Providence Brewing Company, Moniker Brewery, Troop PVD, The Thirsty Beaver Hometown Pub & Grub in North Kingstown and Smithfield, Newport Craft Brewing in Newport, Providence G Pub and Picos Restaurant and Lounge in Pawtucket.
To learn more about RIFC or to get 2025 season tickets, head to rhodeislandfc.com.
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Rhode Island
Providence School Board makeover is halfway there after Tuesday’s election • Rhode Island Current
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s office begins accepting applications Friday for five open seats on the city’s school board. Voters on Tuesday already decided who will fill the other five.
For the first time since 1966, Providence voters had a say in who sits on the school board after a new, hybridized board structure was approved by the city’s voters in 2022, reversing a decision the city’s electorate made a half-century earlier. In 1968, about 56% of the city’s voters approved a change to make all seats on the school board appointed
According to unofficial, preliminary results, the winning, nonpartisan candidates are:
- Corey Jones in District 1.
- Miche’le Lee Fontes in District 2.
- Heidi Silverio in District 3.
- Mireya Mendoza in District 4.
- Ty’Relle Stephens in District 5.
The Providence Public School Department (PPSD) has been under state control since 2019. That takeover left the board’s powers severely limited, which means its members often act in a consultory or symbolic role, and have no direct influence over how the district spends money, or how it hires or fires teachers and staff. Those important decisions are made largely at the state level.
Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green oversees the state takeover, which she extended in August, forecasting its end sometime in the next three years. Since board members stay on for four years, both newly elected and appointed members could enjoy more decision-making power in the latter portion of their terms.
Power limitations didn’t stop enthusiasm for the race, which saw endorsements from both union and charter stakeholders.
“Voters chose candidates that will ensure parents, community, students and educators will have a voice in the conversation and a seat at the table to strengthen our schools, collaborate on a fair funding formula, and chart a course for successful public schools,” said Maribeth Calabro, outgoing president of the Providence Teachers Union, in an email Thursday.
Jones, Silverio and Stephens had the teachers’ union endorsement, while Fontes was the sole victorious candidate endorsed by Stop the Wait RI, a pro-charter school organization. Stephens, who did not respond to a request for comment Thursday, was the only incumbent board member who won his contest. Three of his colleagues — Michael Nina, Toni Akin, and Night Jean Muhingabo — lost their respective races.
The defeated incumbent Muhingabo is hopeful he may still be appointed by Smiley, said his spokesperson Diego Arene-Morley in a text message on Thursday. Muhingabo, 25, ran for the first time. Arene-Morely noted that some of the candidates have been in Providence politics for as long as Muhingabo has been alive.
The City Council will presumably vote on Smiley’s nominees in February, said Anthony Vega, a spokesperson for the mayor. The school board will elect its president during a full meeting that same month. Erlin Rogel, the current president of the school board, did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.
“One of the hardest things in the education space is it feels like we keep doing the same thing over and over again,” Smiley said at a press conference Wednesday.
Smiley said he had spoken to and congratulated the newly elected board members, who were “full of energy and enthusiasm,” that morning. But he also noted they would need to learn the ropes quickly.
“In an attempt to not repeat the mistakes of the past or start from scratch yet again, we’re going to be working closely with them to brief them on the turnaround plan, brief them on the history of how we got to this point, and bring them up to speed,” Smiley said, referring to the guiding document for the takeover.
The mayor plans to interview finalists from Dec. 30, 2024, through Jan. 6, 2025, before sending his choices over to the City Council for their stamp of final approval.
Currently, the board has nine members, and their terms will expire at the end of the year regardless of when they were appointed.
Voters on Tuesday also approved a bond worth $400 million — the most expensive in Rhode Island this election year, at either the municipal or statewide level — to make capital improvements to the city’s schools. With interest, the bond’s estimated cost is $686 million, and the construction projects are expected to last from approximately May 2026 to June 2029.
Funding fights continue
While capital improvement got a big boost from voters, the district’s finances are in seriously bad shape. Just how bad is a matter of contention between the district, RIDE, the mayor’s office and the Providence City Council. On Oct. 10, Mayor Smiley called a press conference to criticize the“ultimatum” Superintendent Javier Montañez made the previous day asking for $10.9 million for the district.
Montañez warned that without the emergency cash infusion, schools could soon see programs slashed apart, including winter and spring athletics and bus passes.
Smiley promised $1 million in additional funding from city coffers — ones newly stuffed from payments in lieu of taxes from local, major nonprofits like Brown Health, formerly Lifespan. The City Council would need to approve the funding — which it did, offering another $1.5 million along the way on Oct. 22. But both mayor and council were aligned that their gifts came with a caveat: The school district would be subject to an independent audit of its finances. The City Council additionally asked that the emergency money be used to restore bus passes and sports.
Montañez has not accepted the offers. He wrote to the mayor on Oct. 11 that “the City has money, but it’s choosing not to invest in schools,” and replied on Oct. 23 to the City Council’s Chief of Staff June Rose that their offer was “insufficient.” The City Council then held a press conference on Oct. 29, noting the superintendent had ignored a followup letter from Council President Rachel Miller.
The district’s money problems are something of a tradition. Back in 1968, the push for an all-appointed board was led by then-mayor Joseph A. Doorley Jr., who wanted to disassemble the elected board because of “muddled school finances,” the Providence Journal reported then. Mayor Doorley also noted that an independent audit of the district’s finances had found a $2.4 million deficit — about $22 million in today’s dollars but almost the exact same figure city officials are offering to repair the budget gap in 2024.
A City Council subcommittee was originally set to discuss this emergency funding — which would be pulled from pandemic relief that expires in December — Thursday. But the meeting was postponed, citing a court hearing earlier that day regarding a legal battle between the city and state.
Following a request from Infante-Green to Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa to withhold $8.5 million in car tax refunds, Providence filed a Superior Court complaint on Oct. 16 to block the action.
“We now also need to resolve the recent withholding order as it will affect the City’s ability to provide any additional support,” said Josh Estrella, a Smiley spokesperson, in an email Wednesday.
Whoever ends up footing the bill, some students and their families are getting restless with the back-and-forth, and they congregated outside Providence City Hall on Monday to call for the district’s acceptance of the $2.5 million, even if it doesn’t meet the full amount needed. A video by Steve Ahlquist shows students speaking on the steps.
“Brett Smiley, the city of Providence, and every adult in power: Do better,” said Nya Isom-Agazie, a junior at Providence Career and Technical Academy, who was recorded in Ahlquist’s video speaking on the steps. “I don’t want to be back up here.”
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Rhode Island
Senate President Ruggerio fends off challenge by his former no. 2; Lawson to be new majority leader • Rhode Island Current
In the end, the attempt to oust Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio from the top Senate leadership spot proved unsuccessful.
Ruggerio clinched his eighth year as Senate president by a 14-vote margin among Senate Democrats at a caucus Thursday night. The 23-9 vote, with one abstention and one lawmaker voting “present,” acts as an affirmation of Senate leadership roles, until lawmakers are formally sworn in when the 2025 legislative session begins in January. Eleven senators instead opted for Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson, whose growing feud with Ruggerio became a formal battle earlier this week, when Pearson confirmed he would vie for the no. 1 spot.
A much less divisive election — 32 yes votes, with one no and one “present,” — affirmed Sen. Valarie Lawson as Senate majority leader. Lawson, of East Providence, will replace Pearson as the second-in-command.
Ruggerio, a North Providence Democrat with four decades as a state senator under his belt, offered a bit of levity as he took the podium in a dimly lit event space at Providence’s Waterman Grille.
“Well, that was interesting,” he said. “I’ve never been through anything like that.”
Cane in hand, a deep cut healing on his forehead, Ruggerio insisted he was on the mend after experiencing health setbacks. He pledged to bring senators together to advance a long list of priorities: higher reimbursement rates for primary care providers, full funding for the state panel in charge of carrying out Rhode Island’s decarbonization mandate, and of course, balancing what is expected to be a tight budget in the year ahead.
Behind-the-scenes tension
Ruggerio’s health, and multiple absences during the 2024 session, sowed the seeds of separation between him and Pearson. The two met behind closed doors in March to discuss the Senate President’s physical condition. Pearson, of Cumberland, allegedly expressed interest in taking over the leadership spot, though he has refuted those claims.
Both denied any estrangement, even as rumors swirled. The behind-the-scenes feud was cemented in the public eye in October, when Ruggerio announced he was backing Lawson to be the next majority leader.
Pearson at the time was caught off-guard by the news, but indicated he would not give up the spot without a fight. Earlier this week, Pearson confirmed he would vie for the Senate president seat rather than majority leader.
In a Nov. 6 email sent to fellow senators, Pearson proposed an alternative leadership team, led by himself with Lawson, of East Providence, as majority leader; Sen. Dawn Euer of Newport as majority whip; Sen. Hanna Gallo of Cranston as president pro tempore; and Sen. Ana Quezada of Providence as deputy president pro tempore.
“Without a leader in the room every day working with Senators, the House and The Governor, the Senate’s effectiveness has suffered and our ability to deliver results for our constituents has been weakened,” Pearson wrote. “Senators have shared with me their many frustrations with the way business was conducted during the last legislative session, including the lack of communication, the lack of commitment to a legislative agenda, too much reliance on staff, and the waning of Senate negotiating power with the House.”
Euer, who nominated Pearson as president Thursday night, shared similar concerns over the consequences of Ruggerio’s absence this year.
“It has not allowed us to be our best,” Euer said, repeating the statement a second time.
Ruggerio’s supporters, however, highlighted his open door policy, decades of experience and dedication to his constituents as reasons why he should remain their leader.
“Donnie has shown a willingness to adapt and change, at times at a significant personal cost, something that is not lost on me as a pro-choice, openly queer senator,” said Sen. Melissa Murray of Woonsocket.
Ruggerio drummed up support among longstanding senators along with all of the newly elected senators. In Pearson’s camp were several freshman and more progressive legislators alongside Euer, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Alana DiMario, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture.
Others backing Pearson were: Jonathan Acosta, Meghan Kallman, Tiara Mack, Quezada, Linda Ujifusa, and Bridget Valverde.
Sen. Pamela Lauria voted “present” while Sen. Sam Bell abstained.
Mack, who canvassed for Ruggerio ahead of his contested September primary, said she was swayed to back Pearson because she never received the signed letter from a majority of Senate Democrats calling for the caucus to be held, despite requesting it multiple times.
In an interview after the caucus ended, Mack, of Providence, said she felt like she and other senators of color had been excluded, frustrations echoed in a debate during the caucus meeting over transparency and inclusion.
Secret ballot proposal fails
Several senators sought to make the selection for senate president chosen by secret ballot, citing potential sanctions for those who picked the losing candidate. Critics insisted that a public, roll call vote was necessary for transparency.
“If we don’t have the gall to stand up and say how we feel, and who we’re voting for, that’s a disgrace,” said Sen. Frank Ciccone, of Johnston.
The roll call option prevailed, ironically affirmed via a roll call vote.
Speaking to reporters after, Ruggerio said he would not sanction anybody, including Pearson. Asked for his thoughts about his former ally challenging his leadership role, Ruggerio shrugged.
“It’s a free country,” he replied.
DiMario said she had not received any threats or warnings of sanctions for not backing Ruggero.
“Of course, it’s a possibility,” she said in a later interview. “I understood the risk.”
If we don’t have the gall to stand up and say how we feel, and who we’re voting for, that’s a disgrace
– Sen. Frank Ciccone, a Johnston Democrat of opting for roll call vote over secret ballot
John Marion, executive director for Common Cause Rhode Island, pointed to the fallout from the 2014 battle for speaker of the House as proof.
“If history is any guide, there will be a price to pay for the price to pay for senators who end up on the losing side,” Marion said.
Cranston Democrat Nicholas Mattiello prevailed against Scituate’s Michael Marcello for the open leadership spot following former Speaker Gordon Fox’s abrupt resignation. The competition didn’t end up being a close one after all, with Mattiello securing 61 votes to Marcello’s 6, according to news reports.
A flurry of surprising budget items and policy proposals in the months that followed hinted at deals Mattiello cut to win the leadership position.
Marion suspected similar behind-the-scenes promises could have been brokered between Ruggerio and his supporters ahead of Thursday’s caucus.
“There are things that will happen 12 months from now that we won’t even know were promises made to secure votes,” Marion said.
To the outsider looking in, a failed political power play might not seem to amount to much. But in Rhode Island, legislative leaders hold an outsized amount of power, controlling which policy priorities advance to the floor.
“The vote for leader is ultimately one of the most important, if not the most important, votes of the next two years,” Marion said.
Despite the potential closed-door negotiations, Marion was pleased the caucus votes Thursday played out in the open.
“Given the impact of the vote for leadership, the public should have a window into what’s happening,” Marion said. “It’s healthy that these debates are happening in public.”
The four Senate Republicans caucused Wednesday night, reelecting Sen. Jessica de la Cruz as minority leader and Gordon Rogers as minority whip, according to Brandon Bell, the Senate Republicans’ chief of staff.
House Republicans announced results of their 10-person caucus Thursday, affirming Rep. Mike Chippendale as minority leader and David Place as minority whip.
House Democrats will hold their leadership caucus at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Spain Restaurant in Cranston. The elections are also open to the public, though no challenges are expected to House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Majority Leader Chris Blazejewski.
The Rhode Island General Assembly is expected to reconvene on Jan. 7.
The 38-member Senate is slated to include 31 Democrats and four Republicans, while the 75-member House features 64 Democrats, 10 Republicans and one independent.
However, question marks linger in two races, where trailing candidates have requested recounts from the Rhode Island Board of Elections. Preliminary election results late Wednesday showed Democratic challenger Peter Appollonio leading Republican Sen. Anthony DeLuca by 67 votes in Warwick Senate District 26. In Cranston’s House District 15, Republican Chris Paplauskas held a 31-vote lead over Democrat Maria Bucci.
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