Rhode Island
These are the 10 General Assembly races to watch on election night
How to check your voter registration online in Rhode Island
Rhode Island voters can check their registrations and find their polling places on the Secretary of State’s website
To find the most compelling Rhode Island General Assembly elections this year, follow Interstate 295.
The House and Senate races in large chunks of the state may be barely contested, but there’s a swath of competitive campaigns in Providence’s western suburbs that roughly trace the path of the highway. Start in Warwick (including some West Warwick) and head north to Cranston (cut through on Route 37 to save some time) up into Johnston and finally Smithfield.
These communities feature moderate to right-of-center electorates and a number of incumbent-free seats opened up by retirements plus one primary upset.
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris will probably claim all four of Rhode Island’s Electoral College votes, but whether voter enthusiasm favors her or Republican Donald Trump will have a knock-on effect for down-ballot races often decided by a few hundred, or as little as a few dozen, votes.
Of the 113 seats in the General Assembly, 43 are contested on Nov. 5.
Could Republicans gain a foothold in the General Assembly?
The results of those will not shift the House or Senate out of Democratic control, due to the party’s overwhelming majorities.
Republicans are hoping turnout for Trump will help to grow their nine-member House caucus and five-member Senate caucus.
But three GOP House incumbents are not running for reelection, making it likely that Republicans will have to flip a seat or two just to maintain the current head count.
Of course, not all of the close races this year touch I-295.
The House District 39 rematch between Democrat Megan Cotter and Republican Justin Price is taking place in the western woodlands of Exeter, Richmond and Hopkinton.
In Pawtucket, Lori Urso is the favorite and Democratic nominee to replace Sen. Sandra Cano, but being placed on the ballot by allies of Mayor Donald Grebien rubbed some the wrong way. She faces independent Cathyann Palocsik in Senate District 8.
Here are 10 races to watch on Tuesday.
Johnston
Kelsey Coletta (D) vs. Richard Fascia (R) in House District 42
Coletta was the only candidate to oust a General Assembly incumbent in the September primary but she faces a tough battle against Fascia in this fairly conservative district, which narrowly favored Trump in the 2020 presidential race. (It includes a slice of northern Cranston.)
Fascia is a former Providence police sergeant who has served on the Johnston Zoning Board and says his opposition to a 55,000-panel solar farm was “perhaps my proudest moment.”
The top issue on his website is “repealing legislation that has taken all oversight away from local zoning boards.”
Coletta is the daughter of Tiverton Rep. John Edwards and is backed by the progressive Working Families Party and several labor unions, including the Service Employees International Union.
She has not received much help from the town Democratic machine led by Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr., who leans further right.
Policing issues have been central in the race, particularly after Coletta received an early endorsement from the International Brotherhood of Police Officers.
When it was pulled back Fascia argued in a door hanger it was because of her support for safe injection sites.
Coletta noted that the union, now neutral, is still not endorsing Fascia despite him being a former police officer.
Deborah Fellela (D) vs. Nick Grasso (R) in House 43
This neighboring district just to the north is even more Republican-leaning, which could put it in play if there is a big night for Trump.
Fellela, who has been in the House since 2007, is on the conservative side of the Democratic caucus and pro-life.
She beat Grasso by 180 votes two years ago.
Andrew Dimitri (D) vs. Karin Gorman (R) in Senate District 25
The death of former Sen. Frank Lombardo opened this seat, and Dimitri, a lawyer, won a hard-fought three-way primary to get the Democratic nomination.
Gorman is vice president of Rhode Islanders for Immigration Law Enforcement (RIILE), “an organization that helps raise the awareness of the general public and public officials about the financial and social impact of illegal aliens on our state.”
Cranston
Jennifer Caputi (R) vs. Todd Patalano (D) in Senate District 26
Criminal justice policy was a flashpoint in the legislature last session, particularly around the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights, and several candidates in key 2024 races come from policing backgrounds.
Patalano is second in command of the Cranston Police Department, a position he has held since 2014, when the department, riven by factional infighting and a ticketing scandal, was briefly taken over by the Rhode Island State Police and the previous leadership regime forced out.
Patalano, who spent nearly two years on paid leave on accusations from the old chief that he’d doctored civilian complaints statistics, later sued the city for mistreatment and won a $300,000 settlement, plus the promotion.
The Senate 26 seat is open due to the retirement of Sen. Frank Lombardi, who contributed to Patalano’s campaign along with Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. Patalano attended a gathering in Ruggerio’s office the week before the election held to show support for his leadership.
Caputi is a lawyer and newcomer to politics.
“I will be a strong conservative voice against progressive policies and one-party control. I proudly support small businesses, law enforcement, the pro-life movement, and the Second Amendment, reflecting the majority of voters in my district,” Caputi wrote in an email.
Maria Bucci (D) vs. Christopher Paplauskas (R) in House District 15
For many State House watchers, this district in Oaklawn and western Cranston will long be connected to former Democratic speaker Nicholas Mattiello and his travails holding a seat in GOP territory.
Of course, the dam broke in 2020 when Mattiello fell to Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung in a year when 46% of the House 15 electorate voted for Biden.
After Fenton-Fung ran unsuccessfully for Cranston mayor, the seat is back up for grabs.
Republican Paplauskas is the Ward 5 city councilman and hoping that turnout for fellow Republican Ken Hopkins, whom he backed in the primary against Fenton-Fung in the mayoral primary, will spill over into the House race.
Bucci ran for mayor herself four years ago and lost to Hopkins by eight points. In 2021 she was elected chair of the Cranston Democratic City Committee and earlier this year was involved in the controversial replacement of a Democratic council member.
West Warwick and Coventry
Jeffrey Fisher (R) vs. Vincent Marzullo (I) vs. Earl Read III (D) in House District 26
Longtime Republican Rep. Patricia Morgan’s bid for the U.S. Senate against Sheldon Whitehouse has created an opening in this boomerang-shaped district split between West Warwick, Coventry and a small chunk of western Warwick.
Despite being held by the GOP for years, the district was narrowly carried by Biden in 2020, making this a potential Democratic opportunity. Former House speaker and now uber lobbyist William Murphy represented the district for years.
Democrat Read is a former Warwick police officer who lives in Coventry.
But independent Marzullo, who has run for the seat twice before and is perhaps best known for volunteer work at Hasbro Children’s Hospital entertaining children as the “Monopoly Man,” is the only candidate endorsed by a gubernatorial candidate.
Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, who is expected to run again for governor in 2026, was shown smiling beside the mustachioed Marzullo “encouraging you to consider my good friend, Vin Marzullo, as your next RI State Rep,” in a post from Marzullo’s social media. “For more than 50 years, Vin has worked tirelessly in federal/state government with integrity.”
Republican Fisher is from West Warwick, the largest part of the district, and running for office for the first time. He admitted to reckless driving in a 2012 crash on Interstate 495 in Massachusetts while driving a dump truck for National Grid.
Warwick
James McElroy (D) vs. Marie Hopkins (R) in House 21
Republican Hopkins is taking a second crack at winning this House seat in the shadow of Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, and the Airport Road Trump Store location that was a popular site for rallies four years ago.
In 2022, Hopkins looked like one of the GOP’s best prospects for flipping a non-open House seat, but incumbent Democratic Rep. Camille Vella-Wilkinson pulled out a 38-vote squeaker.
Vella-Wilkinson decided not to run again, and Hopkins, a nurse whose yard signs feature a stethoscope shaped into a heart, hopes this year she’ll break through.
Democrat McElroy is leaving the City Council to run for state representative.
Among his eight donors this year are House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, the Warwick fire and police unions and former Hasbro CEO Alan Hassenfeld.
Anthony DeLuca II (R) vs. Peter Appollonio Jr. (D) Senate 29
The glass-half-full side of being a small legislative minority for Republicans is they don’t have many seats for Democrats to target.
One that could be in play is this seat the GOP flipped in 2022 after former Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey retired.
That year, Senate Democrats’ hand-picked candidate lost in the primary after questions emerged about whether he lived in the district.
But party leadership didn’t lift a finger to help progressive Democrat Jennifer Rourke, and DeLuca won by 5 points.
The Democratic establishment is fully behind Appollonio, a retired West Warwick police officer.
Smithfield
Bernie Hawkins (D) vs. Paul Santucci (R) in House District 53
Hawkins lost this House seat by 89 votes to GOP Rep. Brian Rea in 2022, but Rea decided not to go for a second term.
Santucci, the GOP nominee to replace Rea, ran for state Senate in 2022 and lost a fairly close race to Sen. David Tikoian.
Warren
June Speakman (D) vs. John Hanley (I) in House District 68
This race appears to be all about housing policy.
Speakman chairs the House Affordable Housing study commission from which a number of Shekarchi’s pro-homebuilding bills have emerged.
Hanley is the Warren Town Council president and Pawtucket building inspector who says he wants to roll back at least some of the state’s affordable-housing laws.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 22, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from June 22 drawing
17-19-21-45-48, Powerball: 13, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Numbers numbers from June 22 drawing
Midday: 7-0-8-0
Evening: 0-0-6-8
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from June 22 drawing
03-19-29-33-38, Extra: 18
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 22 drawing
07-08-20-24-42, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Rhode Island
Pawtucket set to build hundreds of housing units as the next phase of the Tidewater Landing development begins – The Boston Globe
“Many people said it wouldn’t be done or couldn’t be done, and today we are here not only to say it’s getting done, but the funding is secure, and the construction of this infrastructure will begin within the next two months,” Grebien said.
Grebien anticipates the eastern side of the development will be fully built within three to four years, he said.
The work marks a step forward for the project, which had been burdened by persistent inflation in recent years. Rising costs led to a higher price tag than initially anticipated for the complex’s soccer and live entertainment stadium, the project’s first phase. The project relied on public bonds that are set to cost taxpayers more than $130 million over the next three decades.
State officials had originally said its financial support would pay for the stadium and other work around it, but with the difficult economic climate, the state later shifted nearly all of its financial backing to the stadium itself. Still, developer Fortuitous Partners has long said it will see through the rest of the public-private partnership, including hundreds of units of new housing.
“We’ve worked very hard over the last couple years to smooth over obstacles big and small to get us here,” Pawtucket City Council President Terrence Mercer said.
The next phase of the development will focus on a more than 10-acre swath of land along the eastern shore of the Seekonk River, across the water from the stadium, Grebien said. There, development firm Pennrose plans to construct more than 70 units of affordable housing, while Wood Partners plans to build 325 market-rate units, he said.
“The financial stack is there,” Grebien said. “They’re ready to move …. They needed to see the stadium first to make sure it was that successful.”
The stadium has welcomed nearly 250,000 people since it opened in spring 2025, according to Dan Kroeber, managing partner at Fortuitous Partners.
“The evolution of this city, the evolution of Tidewater Landing is really just beginning,” Kroeber said.
For now, the city will build out stormwater infrastructure for that area, as well as “new sections of the public riverwalk, landscaping, lighting, and expanded public recreation spaces,” officials said. Pawtucket will also build a pedestrian bridge to link the development across the river.
“You’ve got the Seekonk River being activated, public and private investment, bringing new pedestrian connections, open space, and critical infrastructure down here — all the ingredients that we need to create a great neighborhood in this area,” said Quinlan Locke, vice president of development at Wood Partners.
According to Grebien, additional housing on the western side of the river, in what is now an unpaved parking lot just north of the stadium, will be built in a future phase. He said about 300 additional units are anticipated on that side of the river.
“Over the next four to five years, you’ll start seeing development on this side, if not sooner, because I think the market will push it,” he said.
Christopher Gavin can be reached at christopher.gavin@globe.com.
Rhode Island
‘Wallace the Brave’ creator draws on R.I. roots for beloved comic strip – The Boston Globe
Years went by and Henry, now 40, and with a family of his own, returned to his comic strip with a more poignant and real understanding of family life.
Henry talked to the Globe about his philosophy for the comic, creative inspiration, the four main characters — Wallace, Spud, Amelia, and Rose — and his old school approaching to drawing.
Q. Where did your love for comics originate?
Henry: Like most cartoonists, I’ve been drawing my entire life. It was something I’ve been doing since I was a kid and it was a passion that stayed with me through elementary school, high school, and even in college, where I was writing comics for the daily campus paper at the University of Connecticut. No matter what odd job I was doing I was always finding time to do cartooning at home. Andrews McMeel Universal gave me a chance to syndicate “Wallace the Brave” nationwide and internationally.
Were you doodling and thought ‘This might be a great career?” or did this come on later in life?
It came later on. When I was in elementary school, I was copying “Garfield” comics word-for-word to show my friends or copying “Far Side,” but it was just for fun and a creative outlet. It wasn’t really until that first year in college when I realized the job does exist. Someone has to do it. I thought maybe that could be me.
Describe “Wallace the Brave” and the world of Snug Harbor?
I would describe it as the view of a small town through the eyes of kids in grade school, full of mystery, and wonder, and adventure. and friendship. I take a lot of pride in the character development, but it’s a coastal New England town, which I think is why it would be perfect for the Boston Globe, and I think a lot of people in that area will see parts of New England that they recognize, even if it’s vague.
How much did growing up in Rhode Island — the Ocean State — shape that setting?
Oh, absolutely. I’m a child of the ’80s, where things were a little more lawless and there’s a bit of that in that comic. I’m really interested in just what happens when children get bored. Their mind wanders and adventure starts. Less screen time, more nature, and with Rhode Island being the backdrop of that, there’s a lot of ocean-focused scenery, and jokes. It’s almost like Easter eggs for the New England readership. It definitely has its heart in Rhode Island and New England.
What is “Wallace the Brave’s” origin, is it based on anybody you knew?
I’ve always kind of said the two main characters are Wallace and his best friend, Spud, and they’re opposites, but they’re very good friends. They counter each other’s weirdness and they appreciate each other’s weirdness, even if it’s a different kind of weirdness. The two characters are sort of my two personalities, just separated and magnified, and that’s where you kind of get the Wallace and Spud character. Wallace is who I want to be on a daily basis — positive, uplifting, and a ride or die friend — and Spud is the understated nervous worrier, which on my worst days I can be.
Do you think these characters all balance themselves out?
Balance is tricky. It’s more of about being true to the characters and giving them depth. I try to make them more than just two-dimensional characters, like, that one’s the nerd and that one’s the sports jock, because I have two kids, and they and their friends are not one-dimensional. They have many layers, I try to incorporate that with the way they interact with each other.
Are comparisons to Calvin and Hobbes humbling?
Oh, I love it. It’s one of the best comics ever made. I’ve had, and I get a lot of, comparisons with Calvin and Hobbs, Cul de Sac, and Peanuts, all awesome comics to be compared to. I will absolutely take it as a compliment.
Did you have any missteps on the way to syndication?
I’ve had a lot of failures in the cartoon world. I mean, I’ve probably had three or four comics before “Wallace the Brave,” and they progressively got better. The one before “Wallace the Brave” was called “Ordinary Bill,” and it had a little bit of a readership, and it was sort of that web-comic model, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t a great comic, and I abandoned it once the idea for “Wallace” came to me.
Why do you think comics about kids experiencing life unplugged — collecting bugs and flying kites — connects with readers right now?
It serves the same purpose as the comics serve in the newspaper as a whole. It’s a bit of escapism from the world. I want to live more like Wallace, but I’m still in front of a computer a lot, still checking out social media, so I think it’s a bit of escapism. One thing I’ve noticed — because as my kids come into reading age and are starting to read the comic more seriously — they’re taking cues from it. They want to be like the characters in it. I’m hoping a little bit of that trickles down to the kid audience, where they take a moment more to explore the world around them.
Are you using a computer to draw or hand-drawing your comic strip?
I am a dinosaur when it comes to that because I am still working pen and paper. I will usually watercolor them, but for for print in the Boston Globe, they’ll be colored digitally, just because it reproduces better.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
The Boston Globe’s weekly Ocean State Q&A features Rhode Islanders who are starting new businesses or nonprofits, conducting groundbreaking research, or reshaping the state’s economy. Send tips and suggestions to rinews@globe.com.
Carlos Muñoz can be reached at carlos.munoz@globe.com. Follow him @ReadCarlos and on Instagram @Carlosbrknews.
-
Education3 minutes agoThe Itinerant Preacher Who Helped Secure the Separation of Church and State
-
Technology10 minutes agoHoto’s 25-bit electric screwdriver is 40 percent off during Prime Day
-
World13 minutes agoTrump gets major win against China in African rare earth minerals race
-
Politics18 minutes agoSocial media erupts over Mamdani’s silence after Brooklyn coffee shop bans Jewish congressman
-
Health25 minutes agoWant to age better? Researchers say 4-minute routine may help prevent dangerous falls
-
Sports28 minutes agoWyndham Clark pens emotional message after winning second US Open in hostile territory
-
Business40 minutes agoThe other anti-data center movement: California’s sky-high electricity prices
-
Entertainment43 minutes ago‘All My Children’ actor Paul Avery and wife Sheila killed in house fire
