Leonela FelixServing

Leonela Felix

State HouseDemocrat

RI-District 61 State House

Age 38·Dominican·State Representative District 61 (since 2021)

Why This Race Matters

Felix is serving her third term in a Democratic-leaning district in Pawtucket. She is a rising leader in the Rhode Island legislature as a criminal justice reform champion with national recognition through NewDEAL and the German Marshall Fund. Her personal story of incarceration to elected office makes her a compelling voice for second-chance legislation.

Felix won re-election in November 2024 with 57.3% of the vote (3,256 votes) defeating Republican Kevin Whalen. Her margin has narrowed slightly from 63.8% in 2020 to 57.3% in 2024, reflecting a more competitive general election landscape. She chairs the NHCSL Government, Social Justice, and Taxation Task Force and serves as Vice-Chair of NCSL's Law and Criminal Justice committee, positioning her for broader influence. Next up for re-election in 2026 (RI House terms are 2 years).

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

About

Leonela "Leo" Felix is a first-generation Dominican American attorney and Rhode Island State Representative for District 61 in Pawtucket, now serving her third term. Born in Boston on October 4, 1987, she spent her childhood in the Dominican Republic before returning to Rhode Island. A formerly incarcerated advocate who had a drug-related felony expunged in 2007, she turned her life around to graduate cum laude from Rhode Island College, earn a law degree, and win a seat in the legislature. She has championed criminal justice reform, including the automatic expungement provisions in cannabis legislation that led to over 25,000 criminal records being cleared.

Family & Heritage

Born in Boston, Massachusetts. Spent childhood in the Dominican Republic, her parents' native home. First-generation Dominican American, child of immigrant parents. Resides in Pawtucket with husband Greg Kowalski and three dogs. Brother Christian Felix.

Political Career

Before Politics

Ethics education coordinator and ADA compliance in Providence's legal department; Policy director at Progreso Latino; Worked at McDonald's on Lonsdale Avenue as first job

Education

Associate degree from Community College of Rhode Island (2011); BA in Justice Studies and Sociology from Rhode Island College (2013), cum laude; JD from New England Law/Boston (2018)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Criminal justice reform and automatic expungement
*Fair wages and domestic worker protections
*Affordable healthcare and prescription drug cost controls
*Public school funding and multilingual learner support
*Transit-oriented development
*Housing crisis solutions and foreclosure protections
*Gun safety including large-capacity magazine restrictions
*Voting rights expansion through mail voting and ballot drop boxes

Notable Legislation

Cannabis Legalization - Automatic Expungement

Automatic expungement provisions clearing 25,000+ records

enacted

Domestic Worker Minimum Wage Law

2024

signed into law

Pharmacy Contract Transparency

Prohibiting gag clauses on lower-cost prescriptions

Nursing Home Minimum Care Standards

3.58-3.81 hours daily minimum care standards

Gun Safety Legislation

Restricting large-capacity magazines and raising purchase age to 21

Transit-Oriented Development

Development near Pawtucket/Central Falls train station

DNA Collection Restrictions in Diversion Programs

2022

Child Tax Credit

$250 child tax credit for families

Endorsements

Run For Something
NewDEAL Leaders

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