By ALEX MALM

Giona Picheco of Cranston entered the House District 14 race on Monday. The seat is currently held by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representaitve Charlene Lima.

“The past few years have made it clear why we need leaders in office that will focus on the real issues affecting everyday people,” said Picheco. “Across our district, our schools have been neglected, the costs of housing and groceries keep going up, healthcare, elder care, and child care are getting harder and harder to afford, and an epidemic of gun violence plagues our communities. It’s time to invest in our schools, address housing costs, take on the healthcare and utility companies, and stand up to the gun lobby. Those are real Democratic values, that’s why I’m running for State Representative, and that’s what I’m prepared to fight for when I’m elected.”

Picheco, an engineering technician and Navy Veteran, moved to Cranston from Connecticut after herself and her partner left the military.

Currently Picheco serves as the secretary of Cranston Forward but says she plans on resigning from her post.

Asked on Monday if she had thought about running for office for a while, Picheco said, “It's been in the back of my mind before.”

Picheco said she spoke to a few people who thought it was possible and encouraged her to run for the seat.

“There's a lot that needs to be done and it all starts with electing the right people that share the values with the community that are willing to fight for them,” said Picheco.

Aside from her partner, Picheco also lives with her two dogs Sam and Leia.

Picheco plans on running in the Democratic Primary in September. Lima didn’t respond at the time of publication about whether or not she plans on running for re-election.