Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Senator In General Assembly District 17

State senators serve in the in the Rhode Island Senate, one of two chambers in Rhode Island’s General Assembly. Rhode Island senators serve on committees, introduce bills and enact laws, and confirm judicial nominations and gubernatorial appointments. They are elected every two years. There are 38 state senators in Rhode Island and each senator represents approximately 27,000 Rhode Islanders.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Nelly Burdette
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Thomas J Paolino
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What steps will you take to ensure everyone living in our state has access to quality and affordable health care?

What will you do to combat the underlying issues driving the inflation rate such as in rising costs of housing, childcare, energy, and groceries?

What actions will you take to uphold the constitutional balance between federal and state authority in the administration of our state‑run elections?

What are the most important challenges facing our state and what do you propose to address them? 

What three actions will you support to protect, preserve, and enhance America’s democracy and why?

Campaign Phone 401-830-3826
Campaign Website http://electnelly.com
Campaign Email info@electnelly.com
Campaign Facebook http://facebook.com/electnelly
Campaign Instagram http://instagram.com/Nelly4RI
Campaign Endorsements Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island PAC, NASW RI PACE, Working Families Party, Reclaim RI, Clean Water Action
Quality, affordable health care is a right, not a privilege. As a psychologist and health care leader, I've spent my career improving access to integrated physical and behavioral health care. In the Senate, I'll work to protect and strengthen Medicaid, expand access to primary and behavioral health care, support community health centers, and address workforce shortages that leave too many Rhode Islanders waiting for care. I'll also champion evidence-based policies that improve outcomes while lowering costs through prevention, care coordination, and early intervention. Everyone deserves access to high-quality care, regardless of their income, age, or ZIP code.
Families need relief from rising costs, but there are no quick fixes. I'll focus on policies that address the root causes of high prices by increasing the supply of affordable housing, expanding access to quality, affordable childcare, supporting clean and reliable energy that lowers long-term costs, and strengthening local food systems. I'll also support workforce development, investments in public transportation, and responsible budgeting that helps families without driving up costs. My approach is guided by evidence, not ideology, because Rhode Islanders deserve practical solutions that make everyday life more affordable.
The Constitution gives states the primary responsibility for administering elections, and Rhode Island should use that authority to protect, not restrict, the freedom to vote. I will defend secure, transparent elections while expanding access through policies that make voting easier for every eligible voter. I support adequate funding for local election officials, strong protections against voter intimidation and discrimination, and decisions grounded in the rule of law rather than partisan politics. Rhode Islanders deserve elections that are fair, accessible, secure, and trusted by the public.
Rhode Island faces interconnected challenges: the rising cost of living, limited access to affordable housing and health care, climate change, and economic insecurity for working families. Addressing these challenges requires investments in the systems that allow communities to thrive. I will work to expand affordable housing, strengthen health care access, including behavioral health services, support clean energy and climate resilience, and create pathways to good-paying jobs. As a health care leader, I know that lasting solutions come from listening to communities, using evidence to guide decisions, and ensuring that every Rhode Islander has the opportunity to succeed.
Protecting our democracy requires more than protecting the right to vote, it requires an informed, engaged, and empowered public. I will support three key actions: expanding access to voting and protecting voters from intimidation and discrimination; strengthening civic education so all Rhode Islanders understand their rights and role in our democracy; and increasing transparency in campaign finance while protecting a free and independent press that holds leaders accountable. Democracy works best when every person can participate, information is trustworthy, and government is accountable to the people it serves.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.