Valarie Jean Lawson
Candidate for State Senator, 14th District
Background
- Occupation
- President of the Rhode Island Senate; retired teacher
- Lives in
- East Providence
A Democrat first elected to the Senate in 2018, she was elected Senate President in April 2025 after serving as Majority Leader and Majority Whip. She taught in East Providence public schools for 32 years and was elected president of the National Education Association Rhode Island in 2023.
Documented positions
Public safety
Sponsored law requiring schools to keep Narcan on siteIn office
ReportSenator Valarie J. Lawson: BiographyGovernment record · Rhode Island General Assembly · rilegislature.gov
“She also sponsored a law requiring that private and public schools maintain the opioid overdose antidote Narcan on site.”
Education
Secured added school aid for multilingual, special-education studentsIn office
ReportSenator Valarie J. Lawson: BiographyGovernment record · Rhode Island General Assembly · rilegislature.gov
“She also helped secure significant state funding for public schools, including for multilingual learners, special education students, and high-poverty districts.”
Housing
Supported a package of housing lawsIn office
ReportSenator Valarie J. Lawson: BiographyGovernment record · Rhode Island General Assembly · rilegislature.gov
“And she supported a package of new laws to address the state's housing crisis.”
Health & human services
Sponsored laws against Medicare discrimination and lead poisoningIn office
ReportSenator Valarie J. Lawson: BiographyGovernment record · Rhode Island General Assembly · rilegislature.gov
“In 2023, she sponsored laws to protect seniors from Medicare discrimination and protect children from lead poisoning.”
All sources (3)
- Candidate Search: November 3, 2026 General Election (candidates on the election ballot)
Election filing · Rhode Island Department of State, Elections Division · vote.sos.ri.gov
- Candidate Search: November 3, 2026 General Election (candidates on the election ballot) (Providence County offices and districts)
Election filing · Rhode Island Department of State, Elections Division · vote.sos.ri.gov
- Senator Valarie J. Lawson: Biography
Government record · Rhode Island General Assembly · rilegislature.gov
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.