Rhode Island's 17th Senate district
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17% Republican
55% No party preference
4% Hispanic
4% Asian
5% Multiracial
| Rhode Island's 17th State Senate district | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
 Boundaries since 2022 | |||
| Senator |
| ||
| Registration | 28% Democratic 17% Republican 55% No party preference | ||
| Demographics | 85% White 4% Hispanic 4% Asian 5% Multiracial | ||
| Population (2023[1]) | 27,959 | ||
| Registered voters (May 2025[2]) | 14,503 | ||
Rhode Island's 17th Senate district is one of 38 districts in the Rhode Island Senate. It has been represented by Republican Thomas Paolino since 2017. It is one of four districts currently represented by a Republican in the chamber.
Senate District 17 contains portions of three municipalities in northern Rhode Island, those being Lincoln, North Providence, and North Smithfield.[3]
History
In 1994, voters passed a constitutional referendum shrinking the size of the Rhode Island General Assembly, with Senate membership decreasing from 50 members to 38. The changes took effect after the 2002 redistricting cycle.
Until 2002, District 17 was located entirely within the municipality of Warwick, in central Rhode Island. From 2002 to 2012, District 17 contained Lincoln, North Providence, and Pawtucket.
List of members
- Thomas Paolino (Republican) 2017–present
- Edward J. O'Neill (Republican, Independent until 2016) 2009–2017 (retired)
- Joseph A. Montalbano (Democratic) 2003–2009 (defeated)
- William Walaska (Democratic) 1995–2003 (redistricted)
- Thomas A. Lynch (Democratic) until 1995