About Our Campaign
Meet Leo
Leo is fighting to make Rhode Island a state that works for all of us, not just the connected few.
Photo by: Ryan T. Conaty of Ryan T. Conaty Photography
As a child of immigrants, I embody the spirit of Rhode Island's commitment to the American dream—a promise of equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, or creed. However, in this critical moment for our state and nation, too many are being left behind.
That's why I'm running for re-election to represent House District 61. I believe in our capacity to drive positive change that uplifts every member of our community. Everyone, regardless of where they come from or their economic status, deserves not just to survive, but to thrive. To achieve this, we must empower, support, and invest in our communities.
The future of Rhode Island hinges on electing leaders who prioritize our state's prosperity and propel our communities forward. Join me in shaping a brighter tomorrow for all Rhode Islanders. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the chance to succeed.
Early Life
Leonela “Leo” was born in Boston, MA to hard-working parents: her father worked as a car salesman, and her mother worked as a CNA. When her uncle was deported, her family relocated to Dominican Republic— her parents’ native home, to maintain family unity. Leo along with her brother Christian, and her twin sister, Gena— remained in DR until her parent’s divorce. In 2002, Leo relocated to Rhode Island, where she’s remained ever since.
In 2005, Leo graduated from Charles E. Shea High School in Pawtucket. Shortly thereafter, she fell into an abusive relationship with someone who was involved with drugs. Leo was arrested and since she had never been in trouble, the court offered her the chance to go to a diversion program and avoid prison. Even though she made some bad decisions, her family stood by her and encouraged her to turn things around.
The diversion program allowed Leo to start over -- she went on to earn an associate degree from the CCRI, and a dual bachelors degrees in justice studies and sociology from RIC. Her experience with the criminal justice system motivated Leo to become a lawyer and made her who she is today – someone who is not afraid to speak up for what is right, someone who believes deeply in her family, and someone who is not afraid to push the system to treat people fairly.
In 2020, fueled by a passion to advocate for working families, Leo took the leap into politics, running for State Representative in Pawtucket's District 61. Since assuming office, she has been dedicated to championing legislation that places families at the forefront, safeguards our communities, and fosters equal opportunities for all. This includes initiatives to increase wages, address housing challenges, promote gun safety, enacting criminal justice reform, and more.
Alongside her husband, Greg, their home on Carter Avenue is shared with their beloved dogs, Chiquita, Chanel, and the regally named Lord Blackington, affectionately known as “Bubba”. You’ll often find them strolling the neighborhood together, so please, don’t hesitate to say hello!
Thank You to All Endorsers & Supporters!
“I am deeply grateful for the support and endorsement of so many individuals and organizations who were committed to mobilizing resources and volunteers to support this campaign. Your support is invaluable!” - Leo
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Patricia and Gabriel Martinez
OAKLAND AVENUE
“In these unprecedented times Pawtucket needs a representative that is familiar with the many changes and challenges facing our community. Leonela is smart and incredibly hard-working, and we’ve seen how effective she can be as an advocate and organizer. That’s the kind of leader we want in the State House standing up for our neighborhood!”
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Dennis Hazard, CNA
EVERGREEN STREET
“I work in a nursing home, so for me COVID has been personal and scary. During this crisis Leonela stood with frontline caregivers when we demanded safe staffing for our nursing home residents and a living wage to support our families. We need new leaders at the State House, and Leo’s the candidate I trust to fight for seniors, workers and a strong Medicaid program.”
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Jax Adele Ventura
SECOND STREET
"As someone who works at a public school, I know schools are constantly struggling with limited budgets. Now when we face difficult and dangerous choices to get our students the education they need, our budget is at risk. I truly believe Leo will fight for the support we need for our schools to be safe and to fund the great education Pawtucket's residents deserve."
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Bill Lowe & Dodie Gervais
WALCOTT STREET
"We're tired of business as usual in the State House. We want a representative who will actually represent the average working person, and we know that's exactly what Leonela will do.”
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Kerri McLaughlin
WINDSOR COURT
"I'm for Leo because we deserve better! Being a nice guy with the right friends isn't enough given the challenges we face. We deserve a leader with bold vision, relentless passion, and willingness to fight for a Pawtucket that is better for us all."
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Phoenix Wheeler & Meredith Munn Wheeler
WINDSOR COURT
“We support Leonela because we know she will be responsive to issues raised by the community. With Leo you never need to wonder about her commitment to Pawtucket or to our state. Through her community work as a lawyer and a civil rights advocate, her superb communication skills, and her dedication to justice, Leo embodies the highest standards we could expect from our elected officials.”
LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
What We’ve Achieved. Together.
As your Representative in the General Assembly, Leo has worked on:
The Nursing Home Staffing and Quality Care Act establishes a minimum standard of 3.58 hours of resident care per day by Jan. 1, 2022, and 3.81 hours of resident care per day beginning Jan. 1, 2023. A huge win for Rhode Island healthcare workers and the families they serve!
The Rhode Island Cannabis Act legalized, regulated, and taxed adult recreational cannabis use. It enables automatic expungements of past cannabis criminal records, establishes worker-owned cooperatives, and offers social equity licenses to directly impacted resident.
The Let RI Vote Act, expanded voting access through several provisions including voting by mail without providing an excuse, requiring secure ballot drop boxes, removing the two witnesses' requirements, and more.
We achieved a major victory for gun safety in Rhode Island by passing 3 key pieces of legislation: banning large capacity magazines, prohibiting the open carry of loaded shotguns and rifles, and raising the minimum age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21. This marks a significant setback for the corporate gun lobby that previously held sway in Rhode Island politics.
This cost-saving law ensures that health insurance plans cannot prohibit pharmacists from offering patients lower-cost prescriptions, and promoting more affordable access to medications, which allows Rhode Islanders to keep more money in their pockets!
Under this law, once a criminal case is dismissed because the person completes a diversion program, those records are automatically sealed rather than requiring a person go through the petition process.
To view the comprehensive list of Representative Leo's legislative victories for 2023, click here.
View all of Leo’s Legislative Proposals
To access a comprehensive list of Representative Leo's legislative proposals, click the button. Enter her name in the designated box labeled "Sponsor," and the site will display all bills she is currently working on, as well as past bills.