EAST PROVIDENCE -- Mayor Isadore S. Ramos declared his candidacy today for the Senate District 18 seat being vacated by Sen. Paul Moura.

Moura, who has not said why he isn’t seeking reelection, switched to the Senate from the House of Representatives two years ago.

Ramos’ switch is a highlight of East Providence’s election filings this week. It also means that there will not be a rematch between Ramos and former Mayor Joseph Larisa Jr. for the City Council at-large seat. Two years ago, a recount was needed for their race and Ramos managed to edge out Larisa by fewer than two dozen votes.

“I have dedicated myself to serving this community which I love,” Ramos’ news release read. The Democrat continued, “This is an opportunity for me to represent East Providence at a third level of government. Being elected to one term on the School Committee and two terms on the City Council has prepared me to help East Providence from the state level of government.”

Ramos, a former city teacher and assistant superintendent, may face Democrat Joseph Botelho Jr. in the primary. Botelho is owner of Red Realty and previously served on the City Council for six years in the 1980s.

“It has always been my intention to be get back into public service,” Botelho said. With the kids now in college and high school, “my time freed up and I thought I had something to contribute. This city has been very good to me and it just makes sense to give something back.”

The winner of the primary may face Republican Marcel Robert, who also declared his candidacy this week for the Senate opening, in the general election. The 68-year-old is like Botelho, a local real estate agent. He works for Tirrell Realty and also has his own tax preparation business.

-- Journal staff writer Alisha A. Pina