Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility
Weather Alert
Minor river flooding continues today
Show Less
Close Alert

State Sen. Sandra Cano announces run for Congress


State Sen. Sandra Cano talks about her congressional campaign with NBC 10, Monday, March 20, 2023. (WJAR)
State Sen. Sandra Cano talks about her congressional campaign with NBC 10, Monday, March 20, 2023. (WJAR)
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

The race to replace Rep. David Cicilline in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District has a new entrant.

State Sen. Sandra Cano, D-Pawtucket, announced her campaign Monday.

“My candidacy is based on my legislative accomplishments, my life experiences, and knowing that the working people of district one see themselves represented in myself. I do know them well,” Cano told NBC 10 News.

Cano has been in the state legislature since 2018. She was previously on the Pawtucket City Council and the School Committee.

Cano is the city of Pawtucket’s director of Commerce.

Cano points to education as a top priority if she is elected to Congress.

“Policy-wise, I’ve always been a person that has education as the heart of my priority policy work. Education and access to high quality education for our children is one of my first priorities, as well as recognizing that the teachers are a pillar that make them successful,” she told NBC 10 News.

She wants more federal funding for universal pre-K and child care.

Cano also mentions protecting the environment and abortion rights.

“I think the decision has to come to the woman, personal decision with their doctor, and no legislator needs to have a say on that,” she said.

Cano supports a ban on assault weapons and continued aid to Ukraine.

The Democrat also expressed thoughts about Republicans in Congress.

“Some of the Republicans are putting some policies that are really threatening our democratic values, and I think that it’s important that we have democratic values represent us,” Cano told NBC 10 News.

Cano joins Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, among the other candidates in the congressional special election.

“I think that it’s great to celebrate that now we have multiple candidates that are qualified that come from minority backgrounds,” Cano said.

Cano emigrated to the United States from Colombia. She is engaged to Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa.

The couple has two children.


Loading ...