Rhode Island's 17th Senate district

Rhode Island's 17th Senate district is one of 38 districts in the Rhode Island Senate. It has been represented by Republican Thomas Paolino since 2017. It is one of four districts currently represented by a Republican in the chamber.

Geography

Senate District 17 contains portions of three municipalities in northern Rhode Island, those being Lincoln, North Providence, and North Smithfield.

History

In 1994, voters passed a constitutional referendum shrinking the size of the Rhode Island General Assembly, with Senate membership decreasing from 50 members to 38. The changes took effect after the 2002 redistricting cycle.
Until 2002, District 17 was located entirely within the municipality of Warwick, in central Rhode Island.
From 2002 to 2012, District 17 contained Lincoln, North Providence, and Pawtucket.

List of members

Thomas Paolino 2017–present
Edward J. O'Neill 2009–2017
Joseph A. Montalbano 2003–2009
William Walaska 1995–2003
Thomas A. Lynch until 1995

Past election results

2012–2020

In 2016, independent incumbent O'Neill switched his registration to the Republican Party and subsequently retired.

2002–2010

In 2002, incumbent senator William Walaska was redistricted to Senate District 30. Joseph A. Montalbano, who represented District 37 until 2002, was elected from District 17.