Senator Todd M. Patalano

Vice Chair, Senate Committee on Labor & Gaming
Member, Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senator Todd Patalano proudly represents District 26 (Cranston) in the Rhode Island Senate, bringing a lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Cranston community. A Democrat elected in November 2024, he ran on a strong platform of public safety, neighborhood preservation, and authentic community advocacy. Senator Patalano is widely recognized as a trusted voice for his constituents and a tireless defender of quality-of-life issues across the district.

Born and raised in Cranston, Senator Patalano and his wife, Gina, have deep roots in the city where they have lived, grew up, worked, and raised their three sons. His commitment to public service began at a young age working in his family's business in the Arlington neighborhood, grounding him in the values of hard work, dedication, commitment, integrity, and a strong connection to the community.

In 1995, Senator Patalano joined the Cranston Police Department, where he has built a distinguished and decorated career, where he continues to serve with distinction. Rising through the ranks, he currently serves as Major and second-in-command of the department, a role he has held since 2014. His leadership has been instrumental in solving crime, advancing community policing efforts, mentoring youth, supporting seniors, and strengthening trust between residents and law enforcement.

Throughout his tenure, Senator Patalano has led numerous key divisions including Detectives, Patrol, Professional Standards, Inspectional Services, Planning and Research and Training. He has also served in the Detective Division and as an undercover investigator in the Special Investigations Unit. As the department's Accreditation Manager, he was responsible for securing reaccreditation by the prestigious Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), setting the standard for excellence in policing.

A respected voice in public safety across Rhode Island, Senator Patalano has served as an FBI-Certified Firearms Instructor, a municipal police academy instructor, and the department's Civil Rights Officer. He has also contributed his expertise as a member of the City of Cranston'​s Diversity Committee and numerous other leadership assignments.

Senator Patalano holds both a Master of Science in Justice Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University, where he also completed the university's elite Executive Law Enforcement Command Training Series. He and his family are proud graduates of Cranston High School West.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Senator Patalano is a devoted community volunteer and civic leader. A parishioner at Holy Apostles Church, he has coached countless youth through Cranston Western Little League where he was honored with induction into the CWLL Hall of Fame and CLCF youth basketball. He has served on numerous boards and community initiatives, always placing service above self.

Senator Patalano and his wife, Gina, are the proud parents of Jason, Justin, and Jared, and remain deeply committed to the people and future of Cranston.