Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is featuring stories from mothers seeking or serving in public office to celebrate Mother’s Day. WPLN's Director of Development, Maureen McInerney, interviewed Rhode Island State Senator Jessica de la Cruz. Check out the conversation to hear about her experience balancing service to her family and community!
Jessica de la Cruz is a Republican representing District 23 (Burrillville, Glocester, North Smithfield) in the Rhode Island Senate. First elected to the Senate in November 2018, she was named Senate Minority Whip following her reelection in 2020. Senator de la Cruz is the daughter of Portuguese immigrants and mom of three boys.
[WPLN]: Tell us a little bit about your decision to run. What motivated you, and what did you hope to accomplish in office?
[Sen. Jessica de la Cruz]: It was a culmination of events that led me to run for office. It started with the need for school choice as Rhode Island ranks among the worst-performing schools, we also have high taxes, and as a daughter of immigrants, protection of Constitutional rights is important to me.
What was that conversation like with your family as you were making this decision?
I wrestled with the decision to run for office because my boys were so young (5, 7, and 9 years old.) But my family was very supportive. My husband said he'd support me 100% and understood the time commitment it would take for me as a legislator and candidate. My boys were excited about me running for office and helped out whenever possible. And of course, my mother and mother in law who help out with childcare. I simply could not do it without all of their support.
Are your kids participating in any aspects of your campaign? How about now that you are in office?
I bring my boys along whenever they want to participate. They enjoy collecting signatures to get me on the ballot, passing out my palm cards, and canvassing with me. What they enjoy the most is walking the parades and passing out candy to other kids.
Were there any difficult situations that you had to overcome in regards to balancing your public service and family life?
Everything in life is a balance. There are ebbs and flows to the legislative year. Knowing when to press in and when to take time off is essential. Though my work for my district and in the State Senate keeps me pretty busy, the 2-year campaign cycle guarantees that every other year will mean a jam-packed summer as I canvass my communities and meet with voters.
What advice would you give, or a piece of wisdom you wish you’d known?
The advice I would give to anyone running for office would be to remember to keep your family first. My family has helped to keep me grounded as a mother and wife. They've reminded me of what is important and continue to give me a perspective rooted in what truly matters, not what's trending on Twitter. Someday, I will no longer be a state senator, but I'll always be a wife and mother.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day this year?
Like most people, I plan to celebrate Mother's Day with my husband, boys, mom, and mother-in-law. After church, we'll go out for lunch and then spend the rest of the day relaxing. If the weather is nice, we'll spend some time outside. If it's not, my boys will be stuck watching the movie of my choice, which no doubt will be met with groans and complaints because I'll be picking the girliest movie I can find.
Thank you to Senator Jessica de la Cruz for sharing your experience with WPLN!