PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Election Day is still three weeks away, but Senate President Dominick Ruggerio is already making a move to shore up his control of the upper chamber. In a statement Tuesday night, Ruggerio confirmed he is asking Senate Democrats to replace Majority Leader Ryan Pearson on his leadership team, and wants them to elevate Majority Whip Val Lawson to the job. The Providence Journal first reported Ruggerio's decision. Ruggerio, a 75-year-old North Providence Democrat, has been frequently out of public view over the course of the year as he battled cancer and other health issues. He soured on Pearson, D-Cumberland, after a private meeting earlier this year where the younger Democrat broached the subject of the veteran Senate leader's health and future. "Val is a vital member of our leadership team," Ruggerio said. "She has provided valued guidance and leadership on every aspect of the Senate’s business and earned the trust and admiration of her colleagues. Like most members of our chamber, I have come to rely on Val’s insight, counsel, and steadfast dedication to the state Senate and the people of Rhode Island. I know that she will make an exceptional majority leader." Ruggerio, who has been Senate president since 2017, made no mention of Pearson in the statement and gave no explanation for why he wants him replaced. Pearson and Lawson are both relative newcomers to Senate leadership. Pearson, 36, had previously served as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and got the No. 2 job after Warwick Democrat Michael McCaffrey retired unexpectedly in 2022. Lawson, 58, replaced the late Maryellen Goodwin as majority whip after the latter's death last year. In a statement, Pearson indicated he hadn't heard from Ruggerio or Lawson about the move, and gave no indication he will willingly step aside. Under Senate Democrats' rules, only the majority leader can call a caucus of members to make leadership changes. "I have been privileged to work with many talented colleagues to advance legislation and key budget priorities," Pearson said in a statement. "I look forward to continuing to do so." "It has been no secret that the Senate has suffered through a period of change and loss," he continued. "This has led to a weakened institution that could do better in meeting its obligations to the people of Rhode Island." "Throughout this past year I have heard consistent concerns from senators and I know they are eager to have a thoughtful conversation about the Senate’s priorities and how we are going to organize/operate to be effective," he said. "Over the coming weeks I am confident senators will continue to discuss and together we will chart a path forward." Lawson is currently president of the National Education Association Rhode Island, one of Rhode Island's two powerful teachers unions. In a statement, she said she was "honored" that Ruggerio had tapped her to become whip. "I am working with all of my Democratic colleagues to earn their support as well," Lawson said. "I know that each and every member of this caucus shares a deep commitment to our state and to the communities we serve," she said. "I hope to utilize my experience in Senate leadership, in building coalitions, in addressing complex issues, and in successful negotiations, to help the members of our chamber achieve their objectives on behalf of our constituents." Democrats hold an overwhelming advantage in the Senate, with Republicans controlling just five of the chamber's 38 seats. Ted Nesi ([email protected]) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesi's Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Threads and Facebook. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes SIGN UP NOW