Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, left, shares a laugh with Sen. David Tikoian during his return to the Senate floor June 6, 2024. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)
State Sen. David P. Tikoian, a Smithfield Democrat and a former Rhode Island State Police major, is slated to become the third highest-ranking state senator when lawmakers return to the State House on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio announced Thursday his decision to appoint Tikoian as Senate majority whip. The whip acts as an enforcer for party policy, seeking compliance from members to vote in line with leadership.
“Senator Tikoian has earned the respect of every member of this chamber,” Ruggerio said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon. “David is a dedicated public servant of the highest integrity and a true statesman. He comports himself in a professional, forthright, genuine and courteous manner in all his interactions. I am pleased to welcome him into this important role in our leadership team.”
Tikoian would succeed Sen. Valarie Lawson, the East Providence Democrat who will serve as majority leader this session. Lawson was voted into the role in November, the same night Ruggerio squashed a challenge from former majority leader Sen. Ryan Pearson for the presidency.
“I am grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to working alongside President Ruggerio, Majority Leader Lawson, and all of my Senate colleagues to make our state an even greater place to live, work, raise a family, operate a business, and enjoy the environment,” Tikoian said in a statement.
“The members of our Caucus bring varied ideas and insights to address the challenges facing our state. My goal as part of this leadership team is to help my colleagues achieve their priorities to improve our state, on behalf of the constituents we serve.”
Tikoian served for 23 years in the Rhode Island State Police and retired as a major and chief administrative Officer in 2015. From 2017 to 2020, Tikoian was chief of the North Providence Police Department and now works as deputy general manager of the Providence Water Supply Board.
A member of the Smithfield Town Council starting in 2020, Tikoian relinquished that role when he was elected to the Senate in November 2022, taking office the following January. He ran unopposed in the 2024 election and secured a second term for the District 22 seat, which covers Smithfield, North Providence and Lincoln.
The Senate is scheduled to convene at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, in the Senate Chamber of the State House. Per the Rhode Island Constitution, the most senior senator from Newport — in this case, Sen. Dawn Euer — will briefly preside at the start of the first day of session, during the Pledge of Allegiance, the posting of flags and the election of the president. After that, Ruggerio will return to his post, and Secretary of State Gregg Amore will swear in the new Senate, including six new members elected in November.
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