Senate President confirms cancer diagnosis, affirms reelection bid

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said that despite his health issues he will still seek reelection for Rhode Island’s 4th Senatorial District.

A spokesperson for Ruggerio confirmed that the state senator had been diagnosed with cancer, but that his treatment should “fully resolve these issues.”

The Democrat also said that, if he wins reelection, he will also seek to keep his position as senate president.

Ruggerio released the following statement:

I fully intend to seek reelection in the 4th Senatorial District and, if victorious, I will ask my colleagues to consider me for reelection as senate president. Leader Pearson has indicated a desire to run for president when the time comes that I choose not to run.

While it is no secret that I have had some recent health challenges, I am undergoing treatment that is expected to fully resolve those challenges, and I feel better every day.

We have a great team here in the Senate, and I believe that we are delivering results to make our state an even greater place in which to live and work. At this time, we are focused on working to complete another successful and productive legislative session.