Jo-Ann Ryan
for State Rep
Takes Action. Gets Results.
A decade of proven leadership in Providence — now bringing that same roll-up-your-sleeves determination to Smith Hill. As Finance Committee Chair and elected Majority Leader, Jo-Ann has fought for working families every single day. District 7 deserves a fighter in the State House.
Meet Jo-Ann
A Leader Who Keeps Her Word
Jo-Ann Ryan has spent over a decade fighting for the families of Providence — not for special interests, not for political insiders, but for the people who actually live, work, and raise their children here. She was first elected to the City Council in 2014, representing Ward 5 (Elmhurst, Manton, and Mt. Pleasant), and quickly became one of the council's most effective voices.
In 2019, her colleagues elected her Council Majority Leader — a testament to the respect she earned from her colleagues. As Finance Committee Chair, she helped build Providence's rainy day fund, pushed for greater fiscal transparency, and fought to keep taxes fair for working and middle-class families. She also helped pass the city's ARPA funding allocation.
"I promised reform, and I have kept my word!"
— Jo-Ann Ryan, Councilwoman & Candidate for State Rep, District 7Now Jo-Ann is taking that same energy to the Rhode Island State House — because District 7 deserves a representative who shows up, digs in, and delivers real results.
- Elected Majority Leader and Majority Whip
- Chair Finance Committee
- Chair Committee on Ordinances
- Chair Housing Crisis Task Force
- Chair Tax and Revenue Commission
- Chair Municipal Operations and Oversight Committee
- Member Board of Investments
- Member Retirement Board
Proven Track Record
What Jo-Ann Has Actually Done
Results, not promises. Here's a snapshot of what happens when Jo-Ann Ryan gets to work.
$2 Million in Road Safety Funding
After a high school teacher was tragically killed crossing Mount Pleasant Avenue, Jo-Ann brought residents, traffic experts, RIDOT, and city officials together — and secured $2 million in safety improvements for the corridor.
2021 WinSingle-Use Plastics Ordinance
Championed and passed Providence's landmark ban on single-use plastic bags — one of the first of its kind in Rhode Island, protecting our environment for future generations.
2019 WinElected Council Majority Leader
Elected by her colleagues to serve as Majority Leader in 2019 — a milestone earned through years of hard work, coalition-building, and consistent results for Providence residents.
2019 MilestoneARPA Funding for Providence
Passed the city's ARPA funding allocation and helped secure a $10M COVID-19 Equities Program budget — directing critical relief dollars to the communities that needed it most.
2021–2022Student Housing Ordinance Upheld
Fought to limit overdevelopment in residential neighborhoods — her student housing ordinance was challenged in court and upheld, protecting long-time homeowners across Ward 5.
2018 WinAfter the tragic death in 2017 of a high school teacher walking across Mount Pleasant Avenue as she left work, I brought my neighbors and other stakeholders together with traffic experts to develop a plan to prevent this kind of horrible accident from happening again.
— Jo-Ann Ryan · Councilwoman, Ward 5 · Candidate, State Rep District 7
Her Platform
What District 7
Needs in the State House
Jo-Ann isn't interested in talking points. These are the specific fights she'll take to Smith Hill on Day One — because she's already been fighting them for years.
Affordable Housing & Homeownership
Protecting renters from displacement, expanding pathways to homeownership, and fighting overdevelopment that prices out working families.
Quality Public Education
Fully funding Providence schools, investing in teachers and early childhood programs, and ensuring every kid in District 7 gets the education they deserve.
Fiscal Responsibility
Bringing her Finance Committee track record to the State House — balanced budgets, transparent spending, and no tax hikes on working and middle-class families.
Public Safety & Community Policing
Community-centered public safety strategies that rebuild trust, reduce crime, and crack down on illegal ATVs and fireworks — keeping our neighborhoods livable.
Infrastructure & Transportation
Safe streets, maintained roads, and smart transit investments — building on her success securing $2M for Mount Pleasant Avenue safety improvements.
Environment & Clean Communities
Expanding on her single-use plastics ban legacy with stronger environmental protections, green infrastructure investment, and clean air and water for all Rhode Islanders.
Latest Updates
News & Events
Jo-Ann Ryan Announces Candidacy for State Representative District 7
April 24, 2026
Providence Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan officially announced her candidacy for the open State Representative District 7 seat — bringing 12 years of proven leadership and a 30-year career in housing finance to Smith Hill.
Read Full Press Release →Campaign Kickoff Reception
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 · 6–8 PM
1533 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence, RI 02909
Support the Campaign
Your Vote Is Your Voice.
Your Donation Is Your Power.
Jo-Ann Ryan's campaign runs on grassroots support — not PAC money, not special interests. Every contribution goes directly toward knocking doors, reaching voters, and winning District 7.
- Fund canvassers reaching every door in District 7
- Keep campaign outreach running through Election Day
- Support voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives
- Empower a community-funded, people-powered campaign
Get Involved
Stand With
Jo-Ann Ryan
Campaigns are won by people — neighbors talking to neighbors, volunteers giving their Saturday mornings, and supporters spreading the word. Here's how you can make a difference in District 7.
Join the Campaign
You're In!
Thank you for joining the campaign. We'll be in touch soon with ways to get involved in District 7.