Lammis Vargas announces bid for State Senate District 28
Current Cranston City Council VP seeks to replace outgoing Senator Joshua Miller
From a press release:
Cranston City Council Vice President Lammis Vargas today announced her intent to run for Rhode Island State Senate in District 28. The seat, covering parts of Cranston and Providence, is currently held by Senator Joshua Miller, who has decided not to run for re-election.
“I am a lifelong Rhode Islander and dedicated public servant committed to delivering a high quality of life for the people I represent,” said Vargas. “District 28 deserves a senator who will build on Senator Miller’s strong record of advocating for the health, safety, environment, and education of his constituents. I believe that, with my experience and leadership, I can continue that advocacy in the State House.”
In her time on the Cranston City Council, Vargas has been a key voice for progressive issues, while also taking the initiative to work with anyone who shares her passion for improving the lives of the residents of Cranston’s Ward 1. In addition to securing funding for accessible playground improvements in Cranston's city parks and bike racks for Pawtuxet Village, Vargas championed safety in the neighborhood by adding solar-powered radar speed signs to discourage dangerous vehicles. Her advocacy has also included revamping the Nuisance Task Force, promoting strong public schools, the need for more housing, supporting local businesses, and advocating to tighten the requirements for perpetual care of privately owned cemeteries.
Vargas continues to be a powerful voice in support of racial equity and inclusivity in Cranston. As the first woman of color on the city council, she championed city ordinances aimed at increasing diversity on city boards and commissions. An ordinance authored by Vargas brought Cranston’s Women and Minority Business Enterprises (WMBE) policies in line with state standards. Vargas nominated the first person of color to become a municipal judge in the city’s history. She also began the annual tradition of raising the LGBTQ+ pride flag at city hall in June.
Her commitment to the local environment is evident in her work to better regulate private trash hauling services, reduce plastic waste, and support local clean-up initiatives in the city to continue protecting our rivers and Narragansett Bay.
As a senator, Vargas will employ her skills and experience to ensure the people of Cranston and Providence have their voices heard in the highest corridors of power in our state. She expects to launch a robust and energized campaign over the coming weeks.
Throughout her career, Vargas has served as Senior Policy Advisor to Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa, as Deputy Secretary of State and Director of Administration for former Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, and as Deputy State Treasurer and Director of Unclaimed Property under former Treasurer Seth Magaziner. She currently works as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Somerville, Massachusetts. Vargas is a cancer survivor, daughter of immigrant parents from Colombia, a mother of two, married to a police officer/war veteran, and a Rhode Island College graduate.