Samantha Wilcox is running for RI State Senate District 34
"If we put the people first, our policies become fairer, our communities grow stronger, and our economy works for everyone, not just the well-connected few."
Richmond Town Council President Samantha Wilcox, a Democrat, announced today that she is running for the Rhode Island Senate District 34 seat currently held by Republican Elaine Morgan. Morgan won her seat in 2014.
“I’m so excited to be here with all of you today, and not just for today, because so many of you supported me when I first ran for council in 2022, or we met through my time on the town council, or through our shared concerns for the Chariho Regional School District,” said Wilcox, to the 30 or so people crowded into the Higher Grounds coffee shop.
You can watch the video here:
“I couldn’t be more honored to share today that I’m ready to run to represent us in District 34,” continued Wilcox. “I’ve lived in Rhode Island my entire life, but District 34 has been my home since 2013. First, I lived near Arcadia, and then I lived on 102, right down the hill from the vampire in Exeter. When we bought a home, we landed in Richmond, on the Hope Valley side, where people often think they’re in Hopkinton. I love this area. I love its quirks. I love its history. I love it when people don’t know where we are, think we’re in Virginia, or maybe only know us for our bismarcks. We are Rhode Island’s best-kept secret.
“Now I’m running for Senate because our rural communities need a fighter. We will not be a secret at the State House. We need an advocate who will effectively stand up for affordability, demand government transparency, and defend our environment, while protecting the rural character that makes this place so special.
“Right now, our country feels more divided than ever. Too often, disagreements turn into hostility, and partisanship gets in the way of real progress. We need to move forward, and in order to do so, we need to listen to all sides, find common ground, and respect each other.
“Being a Democrat has never stopped me from working with my Republican colleagues. As many of you know, during my first term on council, I was the only Democrat on a Republican controlled council, and I proved, alongside at least two of them, that when you put the parties aside and focus on the people, you can make real progress, and that creates a stronger democracy.
“As council president with a Democratic majority, I’ve led with civility, respect, and a commitment to hear all voices equally. The teamwork within the current council has allowed us to move forward on many positive initiatives that were not possible with past, divisive councils. We don’t always agree, but what’s most important is that we don’t go along to get along. We get along to go along. That’s the energy I bring to local government and the energy I’ll bring to the State House.
“I believe that our government should work for every Rhode Islander, from families looking to pay for childcare, to seniors choosing between groceries and medications, and to our small businesses trying to keep their doors open. If we put the people first, our policies become fairer, our communities grow stronger, and our economy works for everyone, not just the well-connected few.
“On council, I’ve taken concrete actions in alignment with these values. I championed the improvements to our senior and 100% disabled tax exemption, ensuring our neighbors who need help the most are supported. I’ve supported grants to strengthen our small businesses to ensure that they can grow. I’ve supported school, park, and playground improvements, aquifer protection, ordinance reviews, government efficiency, and balanced growth with environmental sustainability. During this time, I learned that what you vote for is just as important as what you vote against.
“In June of 2023, I was the only opposing vote on a resolution that would’ve allowed the town council to make tax stabilization deals with wealthy homeowners within The Preserve and bypass voter approval. In my view, we should pass tax savings on to our residents, not those buying their third or fourth vacation home, but our current senator pushed that forward. She supported it without fully understanding what it did. Senator Sam Bell read this bill. He asked our Senator, on the Senate floor, to name two businesses that it would have supported - she had claimed that it would have supported many - but she couldn’t name two mixed-use properties that brought in $10 million in assessments and operated 26 weeks as short-term rentals. She couldn’t name one. She did mention the Grove Facility, which is across the street, but they’re not a short-term rental.
“Although this bill passed the Senate, it did not pass the House. Thank you to our effective leader, Representative Megan Cotter.
“Further, when Exeter and West Greenwich proposed changes to their regional act that needed to be approved by the state, the bill wasn’t submitted. It didn’t get a chance to be discussed at the state level. That is an example of what happens when the government doesn’t listen or do the hard work for the people. We aren’t represented, and we deserve better. We deserve a voice in the Senate.
“Here’s my vision for District 34:
Affordability - Young families and recent graduates should be able to buy a starter home, and seniors need to stay in the communities they love.
Education - We need to continue to have consistent, high-quality standards statewide and ensure fair and predictable funding.
Stronger small businesses - We need to grow our economy with local businesses that benefit our communities and draw and keep bigger corporations statewide to ensure balance.
Accessible healthcare - We all know there is a shortage of primary care physicians, but Rhode Island should lead New England in healthcare innovation, not scrambling to keep providers.
Transparent and accountable government - I want to create the Inspector General’s office to investigate the expenditure of public funds to ensure that all of our tax dollars are spent wisely. And finally,
Protecting our environment and rural character - Growth should never come at the expense of our natural resources or the villages we love.
“What you’ll get from me is a senator who cares deeply about this district and Rhode Islanders and always has the courage to be bold and lead with integrity even when it’s hard. I’ll be honest with you, make the tough choices, and ask the tough questions. I’ll fight every day for you and your family.
“I know I have a lot of work ahead of me. This is the largest district by area. It overlaps five town councils and five state representative seats, and hosts two regional school districts. But I’m ready to knock on all the doors, talk to all the voters, and host town hall meetings. These campaigns are not won alone. They’re won by neighbors, volunteers, and people willing to give their time and energy as a form of support. In 2022, we flipped two representative seats within this district blue. In 2024, we flipped the Richmond Town Council blue. 2026 will be the year that we flip the Senate blue.
“I know all of you care just as deeply about this district as I do, because if not, you would not be here today. I appreciate each of you for being here on this beautiful day and taking time out of your busy lives to be here. I’m asking you to join me, knock doors, make calls, spread the word, and stand with me as we fight for the future of our district. Together, we can bring thoughtful, responsive, and determined leadership to District 34, leadership that listens and acts with respect and puts our rural communities first.
“I first got involved [in politics] because my neighbor, Jessica Purcell, knocked on my door and asked me if I knew a candidate, Megan Cotter. I was like, “Nope, don’t know her. I’ve never heard of her, but sure, I’ll sign for her.” If you share with your neighbors, we can spread the word. Also, we’re having a fundraising kickoff at Alaina’s Ale House on Tuesday, October 28th, at 6 pm. Finally, I want to say thank you to Higher Grounds for staying open late for us today. Thank you all for being here to help kick off this campaign with positive energy. I look forward to working with all of you over the next 13 months.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to have her running. It’s time that we get some suitable representation, other than what we have now,” said Greg Avedisian, chair of the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee, introducing Wilcox. Avedisian also works with Chariho United, a community group that came together to support their public schools.
It will be a breath fresh air when Sam is elected! District 34 residents deserve so much better than the MAGA conspiracist who has held that seat for way too long. Sam and Rep. Megan Cotter will be a fantastic team for their constituents.
She sounds wonderful.