SMITHFIELD – Sen. David Tikoian says he’s excited to announce his candidacy for re-election to the Rhode Island State Senate, representing District 22, Smithfield, North Providence, and Lincoln.
“Serving as your state senator in the General Assembly is not only an incredible honor, but also a responsibility I take very seriously,” he said in a release. “I pledge to continue being a tireless advocate for our state and community, representing you with honesty, integrity and professionalism.
As a former major in the Rhode Island State Police, municipal police chief, and Smithfield Town Council member, Tikoian said he fully understands the responsibility, accountability and accessibility associated with public service.
“That appreciation for public service and my passion to give back to a community, which has provided so much for so many, has only enhanced during my tenure in the Rhode Island Senate,” he said. “I am pleased to share, on Jan. 7, 2025, I was appointed by the Senate president to the position of Senate majority whip, the third-ranking member in the Rhode Island State Senate.”
Added Tikoian, “The appointment to majority whip provides Senate District 22 with a valuable voice for constituents as a member of the Senate leadership team. I firmly believe this appointment is the result of meaningful work, an open-door philosophy and bi-partisan collaboration, given my record and ability t o work with all legislators.”
He said his accomplishments over the past three years as state senator include:
Public safety:
• Passed school bus safety legislation, “protecting our most precious cargo,” said Tikoian;
• Mandated background checks for camp counselors;
• Enacted stronger DUI Legislation;
• Enhanced the Move Over Law, protecting first responders and families;
Infrastructure:
• Earmarked more than $1.3 million in state aid for road paving projects in
Smithfield, North Providence and Lincoln.
• Secured a $1 million federal grant toward the reconstruction of the Greystone Bridge;
Legislative grants:
• Delivered more than $250,000 in grant funding, benefiting senior centers, youth athletics, recreation, public schools, libraries, public safety, food pantry, and the arts;
Education:
Delivered an additional $3 million in state aid to education in Senate District 22;
Environment:
• Secured a $125,000 RIDEM Grant, preserving open space;
Animal Cruelty:
• Co-sponsored legislation increasing penalties for animal cruelty and
neglect;
Small business aid:
• Passed legislation providing a $50,000 tangible tax exemption for small business owners;
Seniors:
• Sponsored legislation to eliminate the tax on Social Security.
Veterans:
Passed legislation eliminating income tax on veterans’ pensions.
Scholarships:
Donated more than $5,000 of legislative salary back to the community in the form of a scholarship, the Senator David P. Tikoian Leadership Scholarship awarded each year to graduating high school students from Smithfield, North Providence, and Lincoln High schools who exhibited strong school-based or community-based leadership and embody the characteristics of service to their community, dedication to
improving the quality of life of those around them, and civic responsibility.
As a result of public safety legislation he’s championed during the past
three years, said Tikoian, he has been recognized with:
• The Traffic Safety Hero Award from AAA i n 2023;
• The Legislative Champion Award from the RI Alliance of YMCAs in 2024;
• And the Legislator of the Year Award from MADD in 2025.
“Senate District 22 is much more than a senatorial district for me, it is my home, a place where I live, work, shop, recreate and have been raised and educated,” he said. “I love Rhode Island and remain committed to working hard each day, making our state a more desirable place to live, work, raise a family and operate a business. I respectfully ask for your support in 2026 as I seek re-election to the Rhode Island State Senate, as your state senator.”
