Former Providence City Councilmember Sam Zurier handily won (in unofficial results) the Senate District 3 Special Democratic Primary election to replace former Senator Gayle Goldin, who has taken a job with the Biden Administration.

Zurier has a long career as a politician on the east side of Providence, and deep roots in the community. In an interview with UpriseRI, Zurier was the only candidate who suggested that the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights (LEOBoR) be amended, not repealed, and he was the only candidate who suggested that increasing taxes on the richest one percent of Rhode Islanders might be possible only with a sunset clause after three years.

Zurier had the strong endorsement of long-time State Representative Edie Ajello.

Zurier will now face off against Republican Alex Cannon, but in the very blue District 3 on the East Side of Providence, Zurier is expected to win the seat.

Progressive candidates Geena Pham, backed by the RI Political Cooperative, and Bret Jacob, backed by the RI Working Families Party, came in second and third, possibly splitting the progressive vote and giving Zurier a clear path to victory.