EAST PROVIDENCE — Katherine Kazarian recently received some unexpectedly welcome news when her potential opponent in the race for the State Representative District 63 seat, Christopher Holland, informed the East Providence Canvassing Department of his decision not to have his name included on the November 6 general election ballot.

Canvassing Department supervisor Leslie Shattuck-Moore confirmed Mr. Holland made his request over a month ago prior to the deadline for printing ballots.

It is now basically a formality that Rep. Kazarian, a Democrat first elected from District 63 in November of 2012, will return to the State House for a fourth term. She joins fellow city Democrats Gregg Amore, likewise about to become a four-term incumbent from District 65, and Jose Serodio, a first time candidate in District 64, in running unopposed for the House this cycle.

Mr. Holland had stated his intention to contest the District 63 seat as an Independent in 2018 after previously challenging Rep. Kazarian as a Republican in 2016. Rep. Kazarian won that race rather easily 65.3-34.4 percent (4,155-2,191 votes)

“I am as relieved as any candidate would be that I am running for re-election unopposed,” Rep. Kazarian said earlier this week. “My opponent’s withdrawal doesn’t really change my activity as I always stay in touch with my neighbors, help my constituents and participate in community events as much as I possibly can. As far as Chris Holland in particular, our campaigns have never gotten ugly. I saw him recently and our conversation was very cordial.”