PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Voters in Rhode Island Senate District 4 will head to the polls on Aug. 5 for a special election.

Republican Alex Asermely is one of two candidates looking to replace the late Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who died in April. Asermely is the first Republican to run for this seat since 2008.

A special election was called after Ruggerio's death. Asermely faces North Providence Town Councilman Stefano Famiglietti, who won the Democratic nomination in July over three other Democrats.

The district contains parts of Providence and North Providence. Ruggerio held the seat since first being elected in 1985.

Watch our interview with Asermely above.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPR

See Full Page