JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Attorney Andrew Dimitri, a Democrat, announced on Friday that he’s running for the open R.I. Senate District 25 seat this year.

“Johnston is not just where I call home, it’s who I am and where I dream about starting a family of my own,” Dimitri said in a statement. “Our town has a spirit of unity and resilience that I’ve cherished since childhood.”

“From my earliest memories playing Johnston tee-ball, baseball and football, to attending school, to earning the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 22, every formative step of my upbringing was taken in this town,” he continued. “The long-valued principles of hard work, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles together are not just taught but lived out every day here in Johnston. These are qualities I strive to embody daily.”

This seat, which represents Johnston, became open after Democratic state Sen. Frank Lombardo III passed away from bladder cancer in February.

Dimitri said it would be an “absolute honor” for him to “run and serve as the successor of Senator Lombardo, a great man, friend and Senator who was dedicated to Johnston and Rhode Island.”

“One of my many goals is to continue his legacy of service and commitment,” Dimitri added.

Dimitri listed “strong and safe schools, support for all our first-responders, and economic development policies that put small businesses first” as policy goals he will highlight during his campaign.

On the first goal, Dimitri said he would aim to secure “a fair share of state funding for Johnston public schools.”

As for supporting first responders, he said that he would try to secure funding for the best equipment possible.

For helping small businesses thrive, Dimitri mentioned removing “unnecessarily burdensome restrictions or requirements” placed on them.

Regarding when his formal campaign launch would occur, Dimitri told 12 News that while he files a formal Declaration of Candidacy in June, “I plan to begin meeting my potential constituents and listening to ideas and concerns in the coming weeks.”

“It is never too early to get to work,” he said.

Currently, Dimitri is the only declared candidate for this seat.

Johnston’s Democratic Town Committee Chairman Joseph Ballirano told 12 News that he’s hearing about three other Democrats interested in running for this seat. Those potential candidates he listed are Richard DelFino III, David aRusso, and former state Sen. Christopher Masselli, who ran for this seat in 2022 and used to represent the district before Lombardo first won in 2010.

There are no Republicans who have announced their candidacy as of Friday.

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