Leonela "Leo" Felix

Leonela (Leo), is a first-generation Dominican American, an attorney, and a formerly-incarcerated advocate for reform of the criminal (in)justice system. She is in her first term in the RI House of Representatives and serves on the Judiciary and Government and Elections Committees.

In her first year in office, Leo sponsored successful legislation removing references to “plantations” in statutes relating to judiciary; barring health insurance plans from prohibiting pharmacists from discussing affordable prescription options; and requiring candidates convicted of embezzling campaign funds to make restitution payments to the state’s victim compensation fund. Leo also sponsored legislation to help people on probation and parole earn credits to reduce their sentences. In her second year Leo is working to end cash bail, restrict the use of solitary confinement, and ensure that legislation legalizing recreational cannabis includes automatic expungement of criminal records.

Leo has a strong record as a community advocate fighting for working families. She works in the legal department of the City of Providence on ethics education and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. She resides in Pawtucket, RI with her husband and is a proud mom of three dogs.