Meet
Sam Wilcox
Samantha Wilcox is a dedicated local leader with a commitment to serving her community, currently as the Richmond Town Council President. Her background in public service and passion for rural issues drive her to make a positive difference in the lives of her constituents.
About Sam
I’ve lived in Rhode Island my entire life, but District 34 has been my home since 2013. After going for a hike in Arcadia with my two kids, I noticed a for rent sign nearby. This was the perfect little home for us. After expanding the family and marrying in 2016 we needed a bigger place. We moved right down the hill from the vampire on 102. When we bought a home, we landed in Richmond, on the Hope Valley side, where people often think they’re in Hopkinton. I love this area. I love its quirks. I love its history. I love it when people don’t know where we are, think we’re in Virginia, or maybe only know us for our bismarks. We are Rhode Island’s best-kept secret.
I had always volunteered within the community, whether it be PTO, kids’ sports or girl scouts, and after we bought our home in Richmond, I got involved in local government. I was a member of the Conservation Commission and helped with multiple Town events and clean ups. In 2019, we expanded our family and adopted Chase, a Beagle/Jack Russell Terrier! Chase loves other dogs and the Unofficial Dog Park was his favorite place. I joined the Dog Park Committee and assisted with writing the grant for the relocation of the park! The official park opened in November of 2023 and is no longer on an old landfill. It is by the trailhead of the Richmond Heritage Trail – a much more scenic, clean and practical location for residents, visitors and their animal companions.
I was honored to be elected to the Town Council in 2022. During my time on the Council, I have focused on key issues that are important to Richmond, including protecting our environment, ensuring our tax dollars are spent wisely, expanding beneficial business development, and increasing transparency and civic engagement.
Why I am Running
Now I’m running for Senate because our rural communities need a fighter. We will not be a secret at the State House. We need an advocate who will effectively stand up for affordability, demand government transparency, and defend our environment, while protecting the rural character that makes this place so special.
Right now, our country feels more divided than ever. Too often, disagreements turn into hostility, and partisanship gets in the way of real progress. We need to move forward, and in order to do so, we need to listen to all sides, find common ground, and respect each other.
Being a Democrat has never stopped me from working with my Republican colleagues. During my first term on council, I was the only Democrat on a Republican controlled council, and I proved, that when you put the parties aside and focus on the people, you can make real progress, and that creates a stronger democracy.
As council president with a Democratic majority, I’ve led with civility, respect, and a commitment to hear all voices equally. The teamwork within the current council has allowed us to move forward on many positive initiatives that were not possible with past, divisive councils. We don’t always agree, but what’s most important is that we don’t go along to get along. We get along to go along. That’s the energy I bring to local government and the energy I’ll bring to the State House.
I believe that our government should work for every Rhode Islander, from families looking to pay for childcare, to seniors choosing between groceries and medications, and to our small businesses trying to keep their doors open. If we put the people first, our policies become fairer, our communities grow stronger, and our economy works for everyone, not just the well-connected few.
On council, I’ve taken concrete actions in alignment with these values. I championed the improvements to our senior and 100% disabled tax exemption, ensuring our neighbors who need help the most are supported. I’ve supported grants to strengthen our small businesses to ensure that they can grow. I’ve supported school, park, and playground improvements, aquifer protection, ordinance reviews, government efficiency, and balanced growth with environmental sustainability.
What you’ll get from me is a senator who cares deeply about this district and Rhode Islanders and always has the courage to be bold and lead with integrity even when it’s hard. I’ll be honest with you, make the tough choices, and ask the tough questions. I’ll fight every day for you and your family.