Law Enforcement Takes a (Political) Stand: Charlestown, South Kingstown, Block Island & Westerly House Candidate Leah Boisclair Earns Endorsement from the Rhode Island State Fraternal Order of Police.
In the “untamed world” of Rhode Island politics, the endorsements are many. Few, however, gather the attention given the Rhode Island Chapter of The Fraternal Order of Police. There are the traditional expressions of support extended to the many Senators/Representatives currently serving: Senators (Future Senate President?) Tikoian, Patalano, Appollonio, and LaMountain .. as well as Representatives Hull, Noret, Menec and Read. A longtime supporter of Law Enforcement, Senator Lou Raptakis, endorsed. Second term Republican House Representative Marie Hopkins is a proud recipient.
And then there are the statewide races: Rhode Island State Police Veteran Cindy Coyne was given the nod for Lt. Governor. There was no endorsement for Governor. In a crowded Attorney General’s race, Representative Joseph Solomon received the endorsement.
At the Federal level, in what may register to outsiders as a genuine shocker? Vic Mellor, a Republican, received the endorsement over Congressman Seth Magaziner.
Beyond that, at the State House level, several stood apart from the fray: 3 Candidates, all endorsed by The League of Rhode Island Businesses, with two challenging incumbents, made the List: Mark Mesrobian, Vanessa Lopez, and Leah Boisclair. From the Boisclair Campaign:
Press Release: Leah Boisclair, Candidate for Rhode Island House District 36
“Leah Boisclair, Candidate for Rhode Island State Representative for House District 36, is honored to announce that she has earned the endorsement of the Rhode Island State Fraternal Order of Police following her address to the organization’s membership.
A first-time candidate, Boisclair spoke directly with members about the challenges facing law enforcement, the importance of constitutional rights, and her belief that effective legislation begins by listening to the people responsible for enforcing the laws.
“I am truly humbled by this endorsement,” said Boisclair. “To earn the trust of the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities is an incredible honor. Their confidence in my campaign is something I will never take for granted.”
During her remarks, Boisclair opened by thanking officers for the sacrifices they and their families make every day. “Policing isn’t just a job,” she told members. “It’s missed birthdays, worked holidays, interrupted family dinners, long nights, split-second decisions, and carrying home things most people will never understand. That kind of service deserves respect.”
As a criminal defense attorney, Boisclair acknowledged that some might expect her profession to put her at odds with law enforcement. Instead, she emphasized that every part of the justice system has a distinct but equally important role. “Police officers investigate. Prosecutors seek justice. Defense attorneys protect constitutional rights. Judges ensure fairness. Corrections professionals carry out sentences,” she said. “When each of us does our job well, victims receive justice, the guilty are held accountable, the innocent are protected, and the public has confidence in the system. ”Boisclair also stressed that legislation affecting law enforcement should never be crafted without meaningful input from the officers who enforce it every day. “Law enforcement deserves a seat at the table—not after a bill is introduced, but before it’s written,” she said. “I’ve learned that asking the right questions is often more valuable than pretending to have all the answers. I’ll ask questions, seek your input, and listen before I legislate.”
Throughout her campaign, Boisclair has centered her message on restoring balance to Rhode Island government through collaboration, transparency, and practical solutions rather than partisan politics. During her address, she pointed to recruitment and retention challenges, officer wellness, staffing shortages, violence against first responders, and the fentanyl crisis as issues requiring thoughtful leadership. “These aren’t Republican issues. They aren’t Democratic issues. They’re Rhode Island issues,” Boisclair told members. “They deserve practical, thoughtful solutions.”
In closing, Boisclair asked not only for the organization’s endorsement but for its trust. “If you choose to support me, this won’t be a one-sided relationship,” she said. “You won’t endorse me and then wonder where I went after Election Day. I’ll continue showing up. I’ll answer your phone calls. I’ll seek your advice. And when legislation affecting law enforcement comes before me, you’ll know your voice was heard before my vote was cast.”
Boisclair said the endorsement reinforces her commitment to being an accessible and responsive legislator. “This endorsement represents more than support for my campaign—it represents a shared commitment to open communication, mutual respect, and ensuring the voices of law enforcement are heard in the legislative process. If elected, I will continue listening before legislating and working with those on the front lines to make Rhode Island safer for everyone.”
Leah Boisclair is a lifelong South County resident, criminal defense attorney, and small business owner seeking to represent House District 36, which includes Charlestown, South Kingstown, Westerly, and New Shoreham (Block Island). Her campaign is focused on restoring balance to state government, supporting public safety, protecting constitutional rights, addressing affordability, and ensuring government remains accountable to the people it serves.
