Long-serving Rhode Island Senator Picard will not seek re-election

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Senator Roger A. Picard of Woonsocket and Cumberland has announced after over 30 years in the General Assembly that he will not seek re-election in 2024.

Senator Picard was first elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 1992, representing Woonsocket.

He first represented District 66, then District 51.

Senator Picard was elected to the Rhode Island Senate District 20 in Woonsocket and Cumberland in April 2008 following the death Roger Badeau.

Senator Picard worked with a focus on strengthening small business, education and workforce development.

“To say it has been an honor to represent my neighbors for so long sounds clichéd, but it has been that and so much more,” said Senator Picard.

“Representing the people of Woonsocket and Cumberland has given me opportunities to have conversations with thousands of people over the years, and what stands out to me is just how much I’ve learned from listening to the perspectives of others.”

Senator Picard is a social worker at Woonsocket public schools by day and is a lifelong resident of the city.