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.
Geography Senate District 17 contains portions of three municipalities in northern Rhode Island, those being Lincoln, North Providence, and North Smithfield.
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
Past election results 2022–present
2012–2020
In 2016, independent incumbent O'Neill switched his registration to the Republican Party and subsequently retired.
2002–2010
In 2002, incumbent senator William Walaska was redistricted to Senate District 30. Joseph A. Montalbano, who represented District 37 until 2002, was elected from District 17.
Until 2000
See also Rhode Island's 1st Senate district Rhode Island's 2nd Senate district References