RI Gov. Dan McKee Names Sabina Matos As Lt. Gov. Nominee

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island is one step closer to having a new lieutenant governor. Wednesday morning, Gov. Dan McKee announced his nominee was Sabina Matos, the president of the Providence City Council.

"I know Sabina will be a true partner in governing who is prepared to work closely with our administration starting on day one," McKee said. "She understands the challenges Rhode Island families and parents face, and she shares my commitment to supporting our municipalities and small businesses."

Matos said she was "truly humbled and grateful to Governor McKee" for the nomination. A first-generation immigrant, Matos was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States in 1994. After moving to Providence, Matos graduated from Providence College in 2001 with a degree in communications and public relations. She currently lives in Olneyville with her husband and two children, Diego and Annemarie.

"I look forward to being the Governor’s partner and part of his team tackling the critical issues facing our state," Matos said. "Whether it be making sure we’re vaccinating as many Rhode Islanders as quickly as possible, getting people back to work and our small businesses open, addressing the affordable housing crisis in our state or breaking down the systemic barriers so that all Rhode Islanders have a chance at the American dream – we have much work to do and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get started."

Matos has long been a leading figure in the community. She has served on the Providence City Council since 2015, representing Ward 15. She was the city's first Latina to serve as the president pro tempore of the council, and later the first to be elected president.

"Sabina is stepping into this role at a time of unprecedented challenges for our state, and she will be a critical partner in our fight against COVID-19, our effort to get shots in arms as quickly as possible, and our path to economic recovery from the pandemic."

Matos was chosen from a pool of five finalists that included Rep. Grace Diaz, James Diossa, Sen. Louis DiPalma and Elizabeth Beretta-Perik. If confirmed as lieutenant governor, she will be the state's first Afro-Latina to hold the position.

"I thank all the Rhode Islanders who participated in the Lieutenant Governor selection process for sharing their perspectives on how this position can help move Rhode Island forward," McKee continued. "I’d like to recognize the five finalists for their commitment to the process and to Rhode Island. I look forward to working with them to strengthen our state."

Under the state's constitution, Matos' nomination must be confirmed by the Rhode Island Senate.

Here's what other Rhode Island leaders had to say about Matos' nomination.

I congratulate Providence City Council President Sabina Matos on her nomination as Rhode Island’s next Lieutenant Governor. Over the last 11 years, she has served the residents of Olneyville well. I am confident she will bring that dedication to her new role. As a fellow woman of color, I celebrate this historic moment for Rhode Island. I look forward to working with her in this new role as we continue moving our great state forward.

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea

I congratulate Providence City Council President Sabina Matos on being selected as Rhode Island’s next Lieutenant Governor. Her commitment to public service, her dedication to Providence and her background and experience all make her well qualified for the job. I look forward to voting to support her nomination when it comes before the Rhode Island State Senate.

I want to also thank Governor McKee for putting together an open and transparent process. As a participant, and finalist in that process including being interviewed by the Governor himself, I can assure you that it was both thorough and fair.

I look forward to working with Governor McKee and his team and plan to continue my commitment to public service over the next two years and beyond.

Sen. Louis DiPalma, District 12 (Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton) and lieutenant governor finalist

I congratulate Council President Matos on today’s nomination to the Office of Lieutenant Governor. I look forward to working with her to build a strong and broad-based economic recovery for all Rhode Islanders.

Treasurer Seth Magaziner

Congratulations to Council President Matos on her pathbreaking nomination to serve as Lieutenant Governor. Sabina is an experienced leader and a highly effective advocate for Providence, and I know she will be a strong voice for all Rhode Islanders in the Lieutenant Governor’s office. I look forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Matos as we bring this pandemic to an end and thoughtfully invest in rebuilding our economy.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse