Rhode Island State House District 49

Current seat holder: Jon D. Brien.

Veronicka Vega

Veronicka Vega is a Democratic candidate for the Rhode Island House of Representatives in District 49 (Woonsocket, North Smithfield) on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Veronicka Vega qualified on the Rhode Island Department of State candidate list for District 49 covering Woonsocket, North Smithfield.

Jon Brien

Independent · Incumbent

Jon Brien is the incumbent Independent member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives representing District 49 (Woonsocket, North Smithfield) on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Jon Brien was born in and lives in Woonsocket, Rhode Island . He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1993, a J.D.

Campaign site

“Our state’s teacher shortage is a critical issue that will negatively impact current and future students if this problem is not solved, and a big cause of why Rhode Island has a teacher shortage is the pension system that’s offered,” said Representative O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence).” (Rhode Island General Assembly Press Release)
“Everyone knows that money is tight these days and the financial situations for our school districts and teachers is no different.” (Rhode Island General Assembly Press Release)
“Everyone knows that money is tight these days and the financial situations for our school districts and teachers is no different. But, without new teachers paying into the pension system, our current and future retirees will also be in dire straits.” (Rhode Island General Assembly Press Release)