Kent County, Rhode Island

Rhode Island Senate District 9

One candidate is tracked for Rhode Island Senate District 9 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: John Burke. Candidate information follows official Kent County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

John Burke (Democratic) is on the November 3 ballot for Rhode Island Senate District 9. Source: the Department of State's declared-candidates report and the Board of Elections' September 9, 2026 primary results (unofficial until certified).

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. One name is on the ballot for this seat.

Rhode Island › Kent County › Rhode Island Senate District 9

John Burke

Democratic

Biography

John Burke retired from the University of Rhode Island in 2019 after 37 years in information technology roles, according to his General Assembly biography. A lifelong West Warwick resident, he sponsored a bill signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee that eliminates marriage licenses for those under 18. Burke represents West Warwick and is Deputy Senate Majority Leader and chair of the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026; the Department of State's declared-candidates report is the only verifiable source for John Burke.

Next on your ballotRhode Island Senate District 21

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Questions about this race

Who is running for Rhode Island Senate District 9 in 2026?

When is the Rhode Island Senate District 9 election in Rhode Island?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Rhode Island are on the Rhode Island election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Kent County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Kent County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Rhode Island election office, or see the full Kent County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Kent County ballot

22 tracked races in Kent County, Rhode Island. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Rhode Island Senate District 27 Rhode Island Senate District 29 Rhode Island Senate District 30 See all 22 Kent County races

Candidate profiles

John Burke, full profile Official Rhode Island election office