From a non-English immigrant to Rhode Island's first Black statewide official
In short: When Sabina Matos arrived in the United States in 1994, she spoke no English and expected to return home within a year. Today, she serves as the 70th Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, marking a historic milestone for Dominican Americans and Black women in state government.
Sabina Matos's political trajectory is defined by a rapid ascent in Rhode Island politics. After immigrating from the Dominican Republic at age 20, she settled in Providence, where she eventually graduated from Rhode Island College in 2001. Her career began in local governance; she first ran for the Providence City Council in 2006, losing her initial primary, before winning the seat in 2010. She eventually rose to become the President of the City Council in 2019.
Her transition to statewide office occurred in 2021 following the resignation of Governor Gina Raimondo. Matos was nominated by Governor Dan McKee and confirmed by the State Senate with a unanimous 34–0 vote. She became the second female Lieutenant Governor in Rhode Island and the initial person from an ethnic minority to occupy that role. Her victory in the 2022 primary was notable for defeating two high-profile incumbents, State Representative Deb Ruggiero and State Senator Cynthia Mendes.
However, her career has faced significant scrutiny regarding campaign integrity. In 2023, her campaign became the subject of a criminal investigation by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha. Officials discovered alleged fraudulent signatures on nomination papers, including names of deceased voters and council members with incorrect addresses. Criminal charges were filed in April 2024 by the Attorney General's office against a firm employed by her campaign, yet the signature inquiry continues.
Matos's political influence also extends to major infrastructure debates. In 2022, she defended a $36 million bond funding deal for the Tidewater Landing Soccer Stadium in Pawtucket. While critics labeled the deal a 'giveaway' to luxury developers, Matos argued the project was essential for bringing sports back to the city and protecting taxpayers.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Sabina Matos
- Also: Wikidata — Sabina Matos · CC0
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