Senator Sandra Cano resigns to pursue another opportunity
STATE HOUSE, Providence – Senator Sandra Cano has resigned from the Rhode Island Senate and withdrawn her candidacy for re-election to District 8 (Pawtucket) to pursue another opportunity.
In a letter to President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio and Secretary of State Gregg Amore, Senator Cano said:
I write today with a mix joy and sadness: joy at the opportunity to serve in a new capacity in a field about which I have long been passionate, and sadness that pursuing this opportunity requires my departure from the Senate.
I will have more to announce about my future endeavors in the coming weeks. While I will always strive to continue my public service in different ways, today I must resign from the Rhode Island Senate effective immediately and withdraw my candidacy for Senate District 8.
Representing the people of Pawtucket in the Senate has been the honor of my lifetime. I hope and believe that I was able to bring about impactful change through my service, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to building stronger communities in new ways in the future.
When I reflect upon the progress we have made, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and collaboration of countless colleagues in government, community advocates, and members of the public, who have all worked tirelessly to bring about positive change.
Working together, we improved the education formula to better support multilanguage learners, made investment in early childhood education a central priority, and strengthened mental health supports for students. We expanded access to health coverage for all Rhode Islanders and increased access to fertility treatments.
Much of my focus during my time in the Senate has been in the support of the small businesses trying to establish and grow in our communities. I was proud to advocate strongly on behalf of minority-owned businesses. Among the legislation I am most proud of is the new law instituting a financial literacy requirement in schools, which I worked on in collaboration with then-Treasurer Seth Magaziner. This important initiative will ensure Rhode Island students are better equipped to understand the financial complexities of today’s society.
While I embrace the opportunity ahead, I will always treasure the support and friendship of my amazing colleagues in the Senate. Without exception, each and every one of them shares a deep and abiding dedication to improving our state. They work hard, genuinely care, and continue to inspire me every day. Serving alongside them has been the greatest honor of my life.
President Ruggerio thanked Senator Cano for her service. “Senator Sandra Cano has been a valued member of my leadership team. She has earned the respect of all her colleagues through her wisdom, tenacity, and passion. The indefatigable advocacy she brought to the Senate has made an extraordinary impact that will benefit Rhode Islanders for generations to come. While I hate to see her leave the Senate, I know that she will continue to make a tremendous difference working with her in a new capacity.”
