Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos announced Monday that she is a candidate for the open seat in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District.
Matos, who said she will formally kick off her campaign next month, is the first prominent candidate to declare a run for the office being vacated by U.S. Rep. David Cicilline.
In a statement, Matos said she’s running because Rhode Islanders “deserve a champion who has a deep connection and commitment to the vibrant communities that make up our state. We’re facing an important moment in Washington. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and continue fighting for the things that matter to Rhode Islanders: addressing affordable housing, protecting reproductive freedom, working to solve our climate crisis, and standing up to threats to our democracy.”
A number of other possible Democratic candidates are eyeing a campaign in CD1, including House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, former gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes, White House staffer and Pawtucket native Gabe Amo, state Sens. Sandra Cano of Pawtucket and Dawn Euer of Newport, and Ward 1 Providence City Councilor John Goncalves.
Matos, a Democrat, was president of the Providence City Council when Gov. Dan McKee selected her as lieutenant governor in 2021. She won election to the office last year.
Matos is a native of the Dominican Republic. She came with her family to Rhode Island at age 20 and represented Olneyville and Silver Lake on the Providence City Council after first winning a seat in 2010. A graduate of Rhode Island College, Matos became council president in 2019.
She had less than $1,000 in her campaign account as of the last filing.
Matos said her record as lieutenant governor includes expressing support for voting rights and efforts to reduce gun violence. She said she has worked with McKee to back investments meant to create housing, fight climate change, and enhance protection for reproductive rights.
Matos’ Providence home is in the 2nd Congressional District.
Cicilline, first elected in CD1 in 2010, is stepping down to become president/CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.
Although the timing of a special election has not been finalized, the primary will likely be in August or September.
Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org. Follow him on Twitter @IanDon. You can sign up for email delivery of his weekly RI politics newsletter.
