Grace DiazServing

Grace Diaz

State HouseDemocrat

RI-District 11 State House

Age 69·Dominican·State Representative District 11 (since 2005)

Why This Race Matters

Diaz is the longest-serving Dominican-American state legislator in US history, now in her 21st year representing Providence's District 11. As Democratic Caucus Chair, she holds the highest leadership position of any Latino in the Rhode Island General Assembly. Her district is heavily Latino and immigrant, making her a critical voice on immigration policy in New England.

Won 2024 general election with 95.8% of the vote and her 2024 primary with 61.8%. All 75 RI House seats are up in 2026. Current term ends January 5, 2027. Co-chairs the Legislative Commission on Child Care, her signature policy area.

Key dates to watch: Primary on September 8, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Grace Diaz is a Rhode Island State Representative for District 11 in Providence, the first Dominican-American woman elected to state office in United States history. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she immigrated to the US and spent her first years learning English while working to bring her children over from the DR. After earning both a bachelor's and master's degree from Springfield College, she built a career in public service and was first elected in November 2004. She has served for over 20 years, becoming Democratic Caucus Chair in 2015.

Family & Heritage

Born February 21, 1957, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Grew up as the second child of single mother Mercedes Peguero in poverty, began working at age 7 to help support her family. Left her children in the DR with her mother when she first immigrated to the US, knowing very little English. Mother of 5, grandmother of 6. First Latina woman appointed Vice Chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party.

Political Career

Before Politics

MBE/WBE Outreach Director for the Office of Economic Opportunity at the City of Providence. Previously worked as a child care consultant.

Education

Los Angeles Custodios High School (1977, Dominican Republic); BS in Human Services from Springfield College (2008); MS in Human Services and Management Leadership from Springfield College (2010)

Awards & Recognition

Extraordinary Woman Award, Providence (2006); RILPAC Latina Leadership Award (2007); Juanita Sanchez Award, Center for Hispanic Policy and Advocacy (2007); International Institute Alumni Achievement Award (2011); YMCA Northern Rhode Island Rising Star Recognition (2011); Dominican Independence Award Committee Distinguished Appreciation Award (2014); Center for Woman and Enterprise Rising Star Award (2004); Casa Dominicana Honorable Dominican designation (2004); Rhode Island ACORN Friend of the People Award (2004); U.S. Small Business Administration Woman in Business Leadership Award (2004)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Child care reform and accessibility
*Education equity and school discipline reform
*In-state tuition for undocumented students (Student Success Act)
*Worker rights
*Immigration reform
*Human trafficking prevention

Notable Legislation

Student Success Act

In-state tuition regardless of immigration status

enacted

Early Childhood Budget Amendment

$7 million amendment: $3M Head Start seats + $4M child care worker pilot (2023)

passed

Free School Meals Expansion

Free breakfast/lunch for 6,500 reduced-price meal students (2024)

enacted

Wheelchair Right to Repair Act

2025

Child Care Assistance Program for Child Care Staff

Made pilot permanent

enacted

Human Trafficking Hotel Notice Law

enacted

Fare-Free Bus Passes for Low-Income Seniors

2019

enacted

Behavioral Health Insurance Parity

2018

enacted

All Students Count Act

Asian ethnicity data categories (2017)

enacted

Opioid Prescription Addiction Discussion Requirement

2017

enacted

Janitor/Security Guard Compensation Standards

2022

enacted

Classified State Employee Elective Office Eligibility

2022

enacted

Endorsements

Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence
NALEO
Women in Government
National Hispanic State Legislators
RI Black and Latino Caucus
Hillary Clinton superdelegate (2016 DNC)

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