Darrell Brown

AGE: 60

OCCUPATION/PROFESSION:

Vice President, RI
Conservation Law Foundation/Environmental
Advocacy

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.)

HAVE YOU
PREVIOUSLY HELD ELECTED OFFICE?

No

TELL US WHY YOU’RERUNNING
IN 50 WORDS OR LESS:

“I am running for RI State Senate--District 28 because I care about the strivings of all families. I will ensure that all residents of District 28 have an advocate at the State House who will fight for them. I have been a dedicated public servant my entire professional career.”

John Croke Jr.

AGE: 44

OCCUPATION/PROFESSION:
Systems Analyst

EDUCATION:

B.A., M.B.A, Providence College

PARTY AFFILIATION:

Democratic

HAVE YOU
PREVIOUSLY HELD ELECTED OFFICE?

No

TELL US WHY YOU’RE RUNNING
IN 50 WORDS OR LESS:

“I have always felt a call to serve. I served my country and for the past 20 years I have served the youth of my community in various roles. I feel it is my responsibility to do more and this is the opportunity to reach more people.”

Melissa Carden

AGE: 57

OCCUPATION/PROFESSION:

Executive Director, RI Coalition Against Gun Violence

EDUCATION:

Graduate of St. Raphael Academy and
Villanova University

PARTY AFFILIATION:

Democratic

HAVE YOU
PREVIOUSLY HELD ELECTED OFFICE?

No, but I am an elected delegate from CD2 to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

TELL US WHY YOU’RE RUNNING
IN 50 WORDS OR LESS:

“I am running for Senate District 28 because my work as a gun safety advocate opened my eyes to the importance of the work being done at the state house and how it impacts our everyday lives. I will represent the people of this district, not special interests. I know the building and will hit the ground running for my community.”

Bernice Morris

AGE: 54

OCCUPATION/PROFESSION:

Senior Director of Education, Employment & Training at Crossroads Rhode Island

EDUCATION:

BSW from Rhode Island College

PARTY AFFILIATION:

Democratic

HAVE YOU
PREVIOUSLY HELD ELECTED OFFICE?

No

TELL US WHY YOU’RE RUNNING
IN 50 WORDS OR LESS:

“I am running because I want to lift the voices that I have been hearing over my three decade career serving the most vulnerable in our community and fight for affordable housing, equitable education, and sustainable economic growth. I truly believe that the power is with the people.”

Lammis Vargas

AGE: 43

OCCUPATION/PROFESSION:

Chief Administration Officer,
City of Somerville, Mass.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree, Rhode Island College

PARTY AFFILIATION:

Democratic

HAVE YOU
PREVIOUSLY HELD ELECTED OFFICE?

Cranston Ward 1 City Councilwoman, 2018-present; City Council Vice President 2023-present

TELL US WHY YOU’RE RUNNING
IN 50 WORDS OR LESS:

“I’m running because District 28 needs a Senator who will continue to fight for healthcare opportunities for all, mental health, affordable housing, environment, public transportation and equitable and safe education for all. I believe that my experience, leadership and track record make me the best candidate to fill that role.”

Editor’s Note: The Cranston Herald reached out to Cranston’s 2024 Primary candidates with a brief questionnaire. The deadline to return answers was Friday, Aug. 16. This week, the Herald features questionnaires from the Republican candidates for Cranston Mayor, and the five Democratic candidates vying for the District 28 State Senate seat. Watch for more candidate responses in next week’s Cranston Herald.