NEW: Sen. Lynch Prata, Leading Candidate for RI Supreme Court Seat, Will Not Seek Reelection

NEW: Sen. Lynch Prata, Leading Candidate for RI Supreme Court Seat, Will Not Seek Reelection

Rhode Island State Senator Erin Lynch Prata, the Chair of the Rhode Island Senate Committee on Judiciary, announced Tuesday she is not seeking reelection -- and is seeking an advisory opinion on applying for the "prospective vacancy on Rhode Island's Supreme Court."

In January, Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Gilbert Indeglia, who joined the court in 2010, announced he was stepping down.

Lynch Prata, a Democrat who represents parts of Cranston and Warwick in District 31 and first elected in 2008, released the following statement on Tuesday through a private PR consultant. 

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Lynch Prata Statement

“This morning I filed with the Ethics Commission for an advisory opinion regarding my application as a candidate for the prospective vacancy on Rhode Island’s Supreme Court. As a sitting senator, I thought it important to request an opinion from the Commission to provide legal clarity relative to the concept of the revolving door to those who will consider my application.  

I believe my application is clearly within the parameters of the law, as any individual may apply at any time for an open Constitutional office. I am committed to serving the law and my community and have always hoped to serve as a member of the judiciary. I am excited to submit my application today and look forward to going through this extensive process.

I also believe this is the time for me to give back to the community in a new way and as a result, I will be concluding my 12 years in the Senate at the end of this year. I have been honored and so grateful to have the opportunity to serve the people of Warwick and the State of Rhode Island and to work with such a committed group of elected colleagues and staff.”

Raimondo Calls Lynch Prata "Strong Candidate" 

“Senator Lynch-Prata has an outstanding record as an attorney and public servant. She would be a strong candidate for the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and she made the right decision in seeking an advisory opinion on this matter from the Ethics Commission," said Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo on Tuesday.