Special election set for newly-vacant Bristol/Warren House seat

Photo via Laufton Ascencao social media

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Officials have set the date for a special election to fill the seat of a newly-elected Rhode Island state representative who resigned over a nonexistent campaign mailer.

The secretary of state’s office said Monday the election for District 68, which includes parts of Bristol and Warren, will take place March 5. A primary will be held Feb. 5, if necessary.

Democratic Rep.-elect Laufton Ascencao submitted a resignation letter to the secretary of state’s office Monday.

The 25-year-old previously said he wouldn’t take his seat after he acknowledged providing a fake invoice to prove he sent a political mailer that was never sent.

Candidates who have expressed interest in the seat include Bristol Town Councilman Andrew Tyska and Libertarian Bill Hunt.

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