At-Large City Councilor Sandra Cano today announced her candidacy for the Rhode Island Senate District 8 seat. First elected to the Pawtucket City Council in 2014, Cano previously served on the Pawtucket School Committee and is currently an assistant vice president at Navigant Credit Union.

“It is with great humility that I announce my candidacy for the Rhode Island Senate,” stated Cano. “Over the past five years I have been honored to represent the great people of Pawtucket and I hope to bring that experience to our State House. My background in finance and education have prepared me to be a strong voice for the people of Pawtucket at the State House. As Rhode Island’s economic recovery continues to gain momentum, we need to make sure that no one is left behind.”

Cano, a community banker at Navigant Credit Union, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryant University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Rhode Island. She also completed Harvard University’s Executive Leadership Program.

As an At-Large member of the Pawtucket City Council, Cano pushed to establish the city’s Office of Economic Development and supported investments to stimulate economic growth through small business development and promotion, and building upon the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. She was an outspoken proponent of investments in public education and projects to improve the quality of life for Pawtucket’s residents.

“I want to thank Senator James Doyle for his service to the people of Pawtucket and the state,” Cano said. “I have known him and his family for years and wish them the very best going forward.”

Cano concluded, “I have spent the last week talking to friends, neighbors and people throughout Pawtucket. They have urged me to run for this seat and today I am taking that step. Rhode Island is at a crossroads and we have a great opportunity to push ahead with new ideas and new energy. That’s what I want to bring to the State House and that’s why I’m running for the Rhode Island State Senate.”

[From a press release]