State Rep. Jon Brien, an Independent serving House District 49 in Woonsocket/North Smithfield, has announced his plans to run for re-election.
Brien cited health care, housing, rising energy costs, safe streets and secure elections as issues facing every Rhode Islander that require experienced leadership and real solutions. He also pledged in a release to continue working to make the state more competitive while seeking to control spending.
“We can only pay for the government we can afford, not the government we want,” he said. “This is how we run our businesses and households, and we should expect the same from our state. We cannot simply just tax our way out of addictive spending.”
Brien added, “As the Representative for District 49, I have supported the measures intended to tackle the housing crisis, I have continued to advocate for secure elections, and even for our beloved pets. Most importantly, I took on the pharmaceutical industry and stood up for all who utilize our community health centers and community hospitals, especially Thundermist Health Center and Landmark Medical Center.”
He went on, “In the face of incredible adversity, I was able to build a coalition of both Democrats and Republicans, from the most progressive member to the most conservative, who worked together to successfully pass one of the most consequential bills of the 2025 session. As a result, I was honored to receive the Cannistra Award from Thundermist on behalf of my constituents, but my advocacy for them remains steadfast.”
Brien also cited his Independent status as a benefit for District 49 and for Rhode Island as a whole.
“Serving as an Independent in this climate of political gridlock and consistent conflict, I believe it is truly important to elect candidates that will govern with an open mind, and an open heart, to do the right thing regardless of party or personality,” he said. “Neither political party has a monopoly on good or bad ideas. Holding our city, town, or state back because of a party designation holds all of us back from the successes that we could otherwise achieve.”
Brien stated, “Over the past term, I have advocated tirelessly for my very diverse district. I have been a very vocal member of the General Assembly as I continue to fight for our taxpayers, students, veterans, teachers, retirees, public safety, the elderly, and the underserved. The only promise I will consistently make is that I will continue to listen to the many constituencies that I serve, and I will do so with honesty, integrity, and transparency, as these are the hallmarks of any good public servant.”
