Zakary Pereira

Zakary Pereira (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Rhode Island House of Representatives to represent District 22. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Democratic primary on September 9, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Zak Pereira is a lifelong Rhode Islander who grew up in a working-class family who taught him the value of showing up, working hard, and being there for one another. These values shaped his approach to public service and his belief that elected officials should stay grounded in the everyday concerns of the people they represent.

Watching his mother and family struggle to navigate the healthcare system showed Zak how difficult it has become for people to access the care and services they should be able to count on. It strengthened his commitment to making government more responsible to the families it serves.

At the University of Rhode Island, Zak helps military veterans turn the skills and experience they earned serving our country into college credit. He is also committed to strong Warwick Public Schools, keeping education dollars invested in local classrooms, and expanding career and technical education pathways that prepare students for college, careers, and the skilled trades.

Zak is running to keep Warwick safe, make life more affordable, and ensure every family has access to opportunity and dependable, timely public services.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

AFFORDABILITY - No one should be forced out of our community because they cannot find affordable and timely medical care. We need to protect Medicaid for our Seniors, families, and those living with disabilities.

Working families should be able to afford to buy a home, pay their bills, and build a future here in Warwick.PUBLIC SAFETY - Warwick is one of the safest communities in the country, and I want to keep it that way. That means supporting our police officers, firefighters, and first responders. It means making smart investments in public safety and infrastructure. It also means ensuring that the places that make our community special, from Conimicut Point to Oakland Beach, remain safe for families to enjoy for generations to come.OPPORTUNITY - Every child deserves access to a high-quality public education, with pathways to success through college or career and technical education. Veterans deserve meaningful economic opportunities after their service. Opportunity shouldn't depend on who you know or where you were born.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Zak is interested in passing legislation that reduces the cost of living for working families and retirees in District 22, expand access to affordable and timely healthcare, and ensure our coastal communities and streets remain safe and clean for all to enjoy. Zak works with military veterans transitioning into civilian life which is a passion and a privilege of his. Zak will work to support veterans and all students to receive opportunities for success through career, college or military service.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Zakary is the son of an immigrant grocery store worker and a public school teacher who grew up the youngest of four in a middle-class family. He graduated from North Kingstown High School in 2012 and Rhode Island College in 2016 with degrees in History and Political Science. Today, Zakary works as the Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Salve Regina University and graduated in 2022 with his M.B.A. from their school of business. He lives in the Riverview neighborhood of Warwick with his partner Aaron, and is running for state representative to end the corruption at the Statehouse, protect the civil rights of all Rhode Islanders, and to make Rhode Island a more affordable place to live, raise a family, and retire.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

HousingDefending Civil & Reproductive RightsAnti-Corruption

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about housing, the environment, transit, and public education.