PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Senate Minority Caucus has announced the re-election of Sen. Jessica de la Cruz to serve as minority leader.
de le Cruz, who represents District 23 in Burrillville, Glocester and North Smithfield, was first elected in 2018, and defended her seat against Democratic opponent Lew Pryeor this year to secure a fourth term.
A 42-year-old North Smithfield resident and mother of three, de la Cruz has served on the judiciary and labor committees, and was the previous Senate Minority Whip.
Her husband, David de la Cruz won a seat on the North Smithfield School Committee in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Sen. de la Cruz was first named leader of the state’s minority Republican caucus in 2022, replacing former Sen. Dennis Algiere. The caucus met on Wednesday, Nov. 6 to determine leadership for the upcoming 2025/2026 legislative session, also re-electing Sen. Gordon Rogers to serve as Senate minority whip.
She informed Senate President Dominick Ruggerio of the decision in a letter last week.
“We look forward to working together,” noted de la Cruz.
