June 23, 2026
WESTERLY, RI — Senator Victoria Gu today announced her campaign for re-election, highlighting a record of delivering results for South County families while outlining a vision centered on protecting the environment, lowering costs, and improving access to healthcare.
“Families across our community are feeling the pressure of rising costs, from housing and utility bills to healthcare expenses,” said Gu. “My focus has been on solving problems that constituents bring to me and making state government accessible to people. While we’ve made meaningful progress, there is still more work to do.”
Senator Gu’s accomplishments in her second term include requiring oceanfront rental properties to disclose the public’s shoreline access rights and privileges and protections against future parking reductions or restrictions near CRMC-designated rights-of-way to the shoreline. She also passed legislation requiring insurance companies to provide at least 60 days’ notice before choosing not to renew a homeowner’s insurance policy, giving families more time to find coverage in an increasingly challenging insurance market.
As a leader on environmental issues, Gu passed the Act on Coasts to plan for climate resiliency and helped secure $5 million in additional climate resiliency funding through Rhode Island’s Green Bond to help municipalities prepare for flooding, sea level rise, and other climate-related challenges.
Gu has also been a strong advocate for mental health. She passed legislation requiring middle and high school student identification cards to include the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, making critical support more accessible to young people. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, she also led efforts to require AI chatbot companions to implement safeguards when users express suicidal thoughts or intent to harm themselves or others.
Looking ahead, Gu outlined several priorities for the next term. She is continuing to work with RI Congressmembers and RIDOT to secure funding for upgrades to Westerly Station, improving transportation options and strengthening economic development in the region.
Gu is also working with local EMS providers to secure stable, long-term funding for community paramedicine programs, which help patients receive follow-up care, overcome transportation barriers, and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits.
She also advanced a task force to design a Food as Medicine pilot program aimed at improving health outcomes while reducing Medicaid costs by providing evidence-based nutrition interventions for individuals with chronic diet-related conditions.
“It’s been an honor to serve, and I’ve been laser focused on helping local families stay rooted in South County while protecting access to the coastline and the places we love,” said Gu. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m ready to keep fighting for the people of District 38.”
