A week after state Sen. Kendra Anderson, who represents District 31 announced she wouldn’t seek re-election  two more candidates have jumped into the race in addition to Harrison Tuttle who announced his campaign last week and that he received Anderson’s endorsement, setting up the scene for a possible 2-way primary  for the Democratic nomination.

John  Silvaggio

After failing to win the Republican nomination for Senate District 31 in  2020,  John Silvaggio is giving a second try.

"This has been a goal of mine since I took the tour of the State House in elementary school,” said Silvaggio. “Ever since then I’ve always wanted to be a State Senator.” 

Last week incumbent  state Sen. Kendra Anderson announced she wouldn’t be seeking re-election and would  endorse  Cranston resident Harrison Tuttle as her successor.

In a press release it said that Silvaggio is a “proud dad” of one daughter who goes to the school in Cranston. 

Silvaggio was “actively involved in her previous Elementary School at Gladstone Elementary. There he helped raise thousands of dollars while serving as treasurer within the Parents and Teachers of Gladstone (PTG).”

Previously Silvaggio was the principal of ‘JP Silvaggio & Associates' a Private Detective and State Constable Agency where he was involved in over 200 documented court cases. He is an Instructor for the Use of Force Continuum by Armament Systems and Procedures which is considered the standard for Defensive Tactics within Law Enforcement that comes in addition to an array of NRA Civilian Instructor Certifications with emphasis on Personal Protection, according to a press release. 

Silvaggio is also known for his beard. 

According to his  press release,  Silvaggio was involved with the North American Competitive Beard and Moustache Alliance (N.A.C.B.M.A.) As a charity it contributed over $1 million to various causes the release said. Silvaggio currently sports the number eight ranking beard  in the world in addition to holding second within The United States of America for facial hair, according to the release. 

Silvaggio said that he will be seeking the Republican endorsement.

 In 2020 Scott Zambarano was the endorsed candidate and went on to win the primary. Zambarano received 80 percent of the vote. Since then Zambarano has moved to Florida. 

Warwick Republican City Committee Chairman Rick Cascella said that they are interviewing other candidates this week and said that aside from Silvaggio two other candidates have expressed interest. 

Matt LaMountain

After being rumored as a possible candidate, Matt LaMountain made it official Tuesday afternoon he’s running as a Democrat, as is Tuttle.

“Today I’m proud to announce my candidacy for State Senate in District 31,” said LaMountain. “My wife and I moved to Warwick in 2012 because we wanted to raise our young family in a safe and affordable neighborhood. Sadly, the divisive nature of politics in recent years has us worried about our community and its future. There is rampant inflation, crumbling schools, and even efforts to defund public safety. Our state’s working families deserve a strong voice at the State House that will cut through the politics of polarization and fight for common sense solutions, and I am running to be that voice.”

Before opening his own law practice, LaMountain served as prosecutor for the Attorney General’s office from 2011 to 2019 and then as Warwick’s Assistant City Solicitor from 2019 to 2021.

“Rhode Island’s working families are hurting but a pragmatic discussion on how to provide for their basic needs is sorely lacking in our current political discourse. We need to help our working families as they struggle to cope with record setting inflation, high housing costs, and record high gas prices. That’s why my top priorities will be lowering the tax burden on the middle class, increasing state investments in affordable childcare and our public schools, and keeping our communities safe,” said LaMountain. “I look forward to walking the district and meeting with residents and small business owners to learn about your priorities, and will ensure that your values will be reflected in the legislation I fight for at the State House. As your next Senator, I will use my voice to be a champion for the people of this district, and advocate for common sense legislation that betters our lives and improves this great community.”

LaMountain resides in the Gaspee area of Warwick with his wife Cassandra and three-year-old son Desmond. The couple is expecting their second child in April.