Jake Bissaillon

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Jake Bissaillon
Member of the Rhode Island Senate
from the 1st district
Assumed office
December 8, 2023
Preceded byMaryellen Goodwin
Personal details
Born (1987-04-06) April 6, 1987 (age 37)
NationalityAmerican
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseKim Bissaillon
ResidenceProvidence, Rhode Island
Alma materProvidence College
Roger Williams University

Jake Bissaillon (April 6, 1987) is an American politician from Providence, Rhode Island.

Early life and education[edit]

Bissaillon was born on April 6, 1987, to Ernie and Ellen Bissaillon, both of whom are teachers. He graduated from St. John's Preparatory School in 2005 before earning his bachelor's degree from Providence College in 2009, and his MBA degree in 2010. He finished his education at Roger Williams University, where he got a law degree, and was allowed to practice law in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.[1]

Political career[edit]

Bissaillon's political involvement started while he was in college during the 2008 presidential election where he helped to organize young Democrats at Providence College.[1][2]

In 2016 Bissaillon returned to politics as a staffer for the Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey. He focused his efforts during this time on criminal justice reform doing research to help write new bills.[3]

In 2021 Bissaillon became the chief of staff for Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio.[1]

In 2023 when Sen. Maryellen Goodwin passed away Bissaillon decided to run in the special election. He won by a 66% margin over his Republican opponent Niyoka Powell. After this win, he quit his job as Chief of Staff to Sen. Ruggerio. And got a new job as the CEO of Justice Assistance a non-profit helping people through criminal justice proceedings.[3]

Electoral history[4][edit]

Special Democratic Primary for Rhode Island Senate District 1
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jake Bissaillon 752 53.4%
Democratic Nathan Biah 344 24.4%
Democratic Michelle Rivera 268 19.0%
Democratic Mario Mancebo 45 3.2%
Special General Election for Rhode Island Senate District 1
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jake Bissaillon 904 82.8%
Republican Niyoka Powell 179 16.4%
Other Write in 9 0.8%


References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "State of Rhode Island General Assembly". www.rilegislature.gov. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  2. ^ "Jacob's Background". Jake Bissaillon for State Senate. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  3. ^ a b Lavin, Nancy (2023-12-11). "He used to analyze laws. Now Sen. Jake Bissaillon will make them • Rhode Island Current". Rhode Island Current. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  4. ^ "Jake Bissaillon". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2024-04-17.