Dawn Euer

Dawn Euer
Senator Dawn Euer
Member of the Rhode Island Senate
from the 13th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
September 5, 2017
Preceded byM. Teresa Paiva-Weed
Personal details
Born (1979-06-14) June 14, 1979
PartyDemocratic
EducationUniversity of Minnesota (BA)
Roger Williams University (JD)

Dawn M. Euer is an American attorney and Democratic member of the Rhode Island Senate, representing District 13 since September 5, 2017.[1] She was first elected in a special election on August 22, 2017 to the upper chamber of the Rhode Island General Assembly, succeeding former State Senator M. Teresa Paiva-Weed.[2]

Euer won a full term in the Rhode Island Senate on November 6, 2018.[3] Her constituency includes Jamestown and Newport.[4]

On May 2, 2026, Euer announced her 2026 re-election campaign for the 2026 election cycle.[5]

Early life and education

Euer was born on June 14, 1979.[6] She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007 and earned her J.D. from Roger Williams University in 2010.[7]

Career Prior to Politics

Prior to her 2017 special election win into the Rhode Island Senate in 2017, Euer was a prominent advocate in Rhode Island and served as the Deputy Campaign Director for Rhode Islanders United for Marriage.[8] She worked on the campaign for the Community College of Rhode Island adjunct faculty to unionize in 2014.[9] Euer has also served on the City of Newport's Energy & Environment Commission[10], advising the City Council on renewable energy and sustainable planning. She was previously Board Chair of Bike Newport and was a founding member of the Environmental Justice League of Rhode Island and Climate Jobs RI[11].

Rhode Island Senate

In 2017, Euer made her first bid for elective office when she decided to run for an open seat in the Rhode Island Senate that M. Teresa Paiva Weed had vacated to become President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.[12]

After emerging from the special Democratic primary for District 13's vacant seat in the Rhode Island Senate on July 18, 2017, which she won with about 47 percent of the vote,[13] Euer prevailed in the August 22 general election with over 61 percent of the vote.[14] She was sworn into the Rhode Island Senate on September 5, 2017 and represents Newport and Jamestown, Rhode Island.[15] Euer was reelected to a full term in the Rhode Island Senate on November 6, 2018 with 71.6 percent of the vote.[16]

In the Rhode Island Senate, she is a member of three Senate Committees: Senate Committee on Judiciary; Senate Committee on Special Legislation & Veterans Affairs; and Senate Committee on Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight.[17]

Legislative Priorities & Accomplishments

Senator Euer's top legislative priorities include: 1. Environmental protection and climate change mitigation; 2. Housing affordability; 3. Healthcare access.

In 2019, Euer played a key role in passing the Reproductive Privacy Act,[18][19] which preserved the protections of Roe v. Wade into Rhode Island state law. Prior to the Reproductive Privacy Act passing, abortion was listed in the Rhode Island Criminal Code.[20] That same year, she championed the Student Loan Bill of Rights,[21] a consumer protection measure for student loan borrowers, which became law. Additionally, she was recognized by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island as Legislator of the Year.[22] In 2019, She also helped pass legislation to improve protections for animals in commercial breeding operations.[23] In 2019, she also opposed efforts to move money away from bicycle and pedestrian bicycle infrastructure safety programs.[24]

In 2021, Euer led the passage of the Act on Climate, the most sweeping climate change law ever enacted in Rhode Island.[25] This landmark legislation commits the state to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and requires the state to come up with a plan to address climate change. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture, Senator Euer emphasized the Act's dual benefits: addressing the climate crisis and stimulating economic growth through the creation of green jobs.[26] That same year, She was recognized by Clean Water Action as an Environmental Champion for her environmental advocacy.[27] She received a national award from the Humane Society of the United States for her efforts on animal welfare legislation.[28] She was honored by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse with a Service Recognition Award, which was formally entered into the congressional record. She additionally represented Rhode Island at the international COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, participating in discussions on state-level climate leadership.[29]

In 2022, Euer successfully sponsored the Let RI Vote Act,[30] a law designed to make voting more accessible while safeguarding election integrity. In that year, she was selected as USA TODAY's Women of the Year honoree for Rhode Island.[31] Additionally, She received a Legislator of the Year honor from the Clean Water Association for her climate-related work. [32]

Also in 2022, Euer successfully championed legislation to enhance Rhode Island's participation in the offshore wind industry while also removing excess utility profits.[33] At the time she said: "As we transition to a clean energy economy, it's vital that we are not recreating systems that give windfall profits to corporations on the shoulders of consumers".[34][35]

In 2023, Common Cause RI presented Euer with their Excellence in Public Service Award, noting her work on expanding voting rights.[36]

In 2024, Euer sponsored two significant pieces of legislation that were signed into law: the Energy Storage Systems Act[37] and the Health Care Provider Shield Act.[38] In that year, the Rhode Island Medical Society honored her with a Civic Leadership Award for her efforts to protect both patients and healthcare providers. [39]

Rhode Island Senate Leadership Roles

In the 2020 election cycle, the Rhode Island Political Cooperative defeated multiple incumbents, including the then-Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance Bill Conley.[40] The following January, Euer was selected by then-Senate President Dominick Ruggerio to be the Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture.[41]

In January 2022, Euer was elevated to serve as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary for the 2022-2023 legislative term.[42] The end of that legislative term was marked by the declining health of then-Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.[43]

In the Fall of 2024, Euer served as Co-Chair of the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention Commission.[44]

During the November 2024 Senate Democratic Caucus, Euer nominated Ryan Pearson to replace Dominick Ruggerio as Senate President due to Ruggerio's ongoing absences from the Senate.[45] At the start of the 2025 legislative term, it was announced that Euer was being replaced as Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary.[46]

Euer continues to be a strong advocate for utility reform, environmental protection, affordable housing, and government transparency.[47]

Electoral history

Rhode Island State Senate: Special District 13 Democratic Primary Election, 2017[48]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dawn M. Euer 1,162 47.04
Democratic David Charles Hanos, Jr. 578 23.40
Democratic John G. Florez 443 17.94
Democratic David J. Allard 287 11.62
Rhode Island State Senate: Special District 13 General Election, 2017[49]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dawn M. Euer 2,217 61.16
Republican Michael W. Smith 1,309 36.11
Independent Kimberly A. Ripoli 74 2.04
Green Gregory W. Larson 18 0.50
Write-In Write-In 7 0.19
Rhode Island State Senate: District 13 General Election, 2018[50]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dawn M. Euer 7,166 71.6
Republican Matthew Paul Perry 2,827 28.3
Write-In Write-In 12 0.1
Rhode Island State Senate: District 13 General Election, 2020[51]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dawn M. Euer 10,104 96.8
Write-In Write-In 330 3.2
Rhode Island State Senate: District 13 General Election, 2022[52]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dawn M. Euer 6,529 70.7
Republican David A. Quiroa 2,685 29.1
Write-In Write-In 16 0.2
Rhode Island State Senate: District 13 General Election, 2024[53]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dawn M. Euer 8,380 70.3
Republican David A. Quiroa 3,519 29.5
Write-In Write-In 25 0.2

References

  1. ↑ "Biography: Senator Dawn Euer". Rhode Island Senate: Senator Dawn Euer. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  2. ↑ Gregg, Katherine. "Dawn Euer sworn in as RI state senator after special-election victory". The Providence Journal. Gate House Media LLC. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  3. ↑ "Rhode Island Election Results". The New York Times. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  4. ↑ Sullivan, Margo (19 July 2017). "Dawn Euer Declares Victory In District 13 Senate Primary". Newport Patch. Patch Media. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  5. ↑ "SEN. DAWN EUER ANNOUNCES 2026 RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN". Newport This Week. 5 May 2026. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  6. ↑ "Biography: Senator Dawn Euer". Rhode Island Senate: Senator Dawn Euer. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  7. ↑ "Biography: Senator Dawn Euer". Rhode Island Senate: Senator Dawn Euer. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  8. ↑ "R.I. Becomes 10th State Allowing Gay Marriage". WBUR. The Associated Press. May 2, 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  9. ↑ "Wave of Contingent-Faculty Organizing Sweeps onto Campuses | Labor Notes". www.labornotes.org. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  10. ↑ Belmore, Ryan (2017-07-01). "Letter To The Editor: Dawn Euer Is My Candidate Of Choice". What's Up Newp. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  11. ↑ "Rhode Island AFL-CIO Launches Campaign for Net-Zero Emission Economy by 2050". upriseri.com. 2021-01-29. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  12. ↑ Tempera, Jacqueline. "Newport, Jamestown Democrats pick Euer to succeed Paiva Weed". The Providence Journal. GateHouse Media LLC. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  13. ↑ "State of Rhode Island, Senate 13 Democrat Primary" (PDF). State of Rhode Island Board of Elections: Election Results. State of Rhode Island Board of Elections. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  14. ↑ "State of Rhode Island, Special Election: August 22, 2017" (PDF). State of Rhode Island Board of Elections: Election Results. State of Rhode Island Board of Elections. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  15. ↑ "Biography: Senator Dawn Euer". Rhode Island Senate: Senator Dawn Euer. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  16. ↑ "2018 General Election: Senator in General Assembly District 13". State of Rhode Island Board of Elections: Election Results. State of Rhode Island Board of Elections. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  17. ↑ "Biography: Senator Dawn Euer". Rhode Island Senate: Senator Dawn Euer. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  18. ↑ "Reproductive Privacy Act (H 5125 Sub A, S 0152 Sub A)". ACLU Rhode Island. ACLU Rhode Island. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  19. ↑ Gomes, Derek. "Senators split on abortion rights legislation". Newport Daily News. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  20. ↑ "Rhode Island General Law Title 11 Criminal Code". Rhode Island General Laws. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  21. ↑ "Chapter 33 Student Loan Bill of Rights Act". State of Rhode Island General Assembly. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  22. ↑ "Audubon Society honors Euer, Carson". The Newport Daily News. The Newport Daily News. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  23. ↑ "STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019" (PDF). State of Rhode Island General Assembly. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  24. ↑ "Senator Euer TIP letter". Google Docs. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  25. ↑ "2021 Act on Climate". State of Rhode Island. State of Rhode Island. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  26. ↑ Rhode Island Senate: 3-16-2021. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  27. ↑ "Clean Water Action Names 2021 Environmental Champions". Clean Water Action. Clean Water Action. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  28. ↑ "Senator Dawn Euer". State of Rhode Island General Assembly. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  29. ↑ "COP26: Together for our Planet". United Nations Climate Action. United Nations. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  30. ↑ "General Assembly passes 'Let RI Vote Act'". State of Rhode Island General Assembly. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  31. ↑ "Sen. Dawn Euer named Rhode Island's honoree for USA TODAY's Women of the Year". The Newport Daily News. The Newport Daily News. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  32. ↑ "Shekarchi, Ruggerio, Carson, Euer honored as Clean Water Association Legislators of the Year". What's Up Newp. Ryan Belmore. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  33. ↑ Gregg, Katherine. "As Assembly aims to wrap up, money for electric utility; vote on permits to people who can't prove residence". The Providence Journal. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  34. ↑ Kuffner, Alex. "Offshore wind solicitation issued without incentive for utility". The Providence Journal. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  35. ↑ "State of Rhode Island General Assembly". www.rilegislature.gov. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  36. ↑ "Rhode Island Watchdog Group Awards 4 Community Leaders". Common Cause Rhode Island. John Marion. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  37. ↑ "Energy Storage Systems Act signed into law". State of Rhode Island General Assembly. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  38. ↑ "Health Care Provider Shield Act is signed into law". State of Rhode Island General Assembly. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  39. ↑ "Rhode Island Medical Society honors Sen. Euer for legislative leadership". State of Rhode Island General Assembly. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  40. ↑ Grim, Ryan (2020-09-11). "Rhode Island's Progressive Wave Was Four Years in the Making". The Intercept. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  41. ↑ Belmore, Ryan (2020-11-12). "Senator Dawn Euer to chair Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture". What's Up Newp. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  42. ↑ Belmore, Ryan (2023-01-10). "Senator Euer to chair Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee". What's Up Newp. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  43. ↑ Gregg, Katherine (April 14, 2024). "'I know I'll get by this': Senate President Ruggerio breaks silence on health, rumors of a coup". Providence Journal.
  44. ↑ Baccari, Raymond (July 3, 2024). "RI assembles constitutional convention commission ahead of November vote". WPRI.
  45. ↑ Donnis, Ian (2024-11-08). "Divided RI Senate caucus backs Ruggerio continuing as president". TPR: The Public's Radio. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  46. ↑ "R.I. Senate president will replace chairwomen who opposed him, senators say - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2026-06-07.
  47. ↑ "'History doesn't repeat, but it rhymes': Sen. Dawn Euer on war, energy and Rhode Island politics". Ocean State Media. Ian Donnis. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  48. ↑ "State of Rhode Island, Special Election: August 22, 2017" (PDF). State of Rhode Island Board of Elections: Election Results. State of Rhode Island Board of Elections. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  49. ↑ "State of Rhode Island, Special Election: August 22, 2017" (PDF). State of Rhode Island Board of Elections: Election Results. State of Rhode Island Board of Elections. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  50. ↑ "2018 General Election: Senator in General Assembly District 13". State of Rhode Island Board of Elections: Election Results. State of Rhode Island Board of Elections. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  51. ↑ "2020 General Election: Senator in General Assembly District 13". State of Rhode Island Board of Elections: Election Results. State of Rhode Island Board of Elections. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  52. ↑ "2022 General Election: Senator in General Assembly District 13". State of Rhode Island Board of Elections: Election Results. State of Rhode Island Board of Elections. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
  53. ↑ "2024 General Election: Senator in General Assembly District 13". State of Rhode Island Board of Elections: Election Results. State of Rhode Island Board of Elections. Retrieved 5 June 2026.
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