Providence City Council head chosen as lieutenant governor
PROVIDENCE — Making a bit of history, Gov. Dan McKee announced the appointment of Providence City Council President Sabina Matos as his nominee to succeed himself as lieutenant governor, catapulting the first Afro-Latina into the state’s second-highest elective office – provided the Senate confirms her.
“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 at the State House, where he announced his choice Wednesday.
McKee said Matos understands the challenges families have faced due to the pandemic and shares his commitment to helping small businesses and municipalities surmount the hurdles of COVID-19.
“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,” he said.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Matos was among five finalists for the position – including former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa – who were whittled down from an original list of some 70 applicants. Most were eliminated by McKee’s screening committee, but the five finalists were interviewed by McKee personally before he made his choice.
“I am truly humbled and grateful to Gov. McKee for the honor to be nominated as our state’s next lieutenant governor,” said Matos. “I look forward to being the governor’s partner and part of his team tackling the critical issues facing our state.”
Whether it’s making sure the vaccination effort continues apace, reopening small businesses, creating affordable housing or “breaking
down systemic barriers” that cut people off from the American Dream, Matos said, “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get started.”
A first-generation immigrant, Matos has served on the Providence City Council since 2010. She was born in Barahona Province of the Dominican Republic and emigrated to the United States in 1994. She lived in New York City for a short time before relocating to Providence.
Matos is a 2001 graduate of Rhode Island College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations. She lives in the Olneyville section of Providence with her husband, Patrick Ward, and their two children, Diego and Annemarie.
“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,” said McKee. “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.”
The state constitution gives McKee the power to appoint his successor, but the choice is subject to approval by the Senate.
No duties are delineated for the position of lieutenant governor in the document, except to succeed the governor in the event of his or her death or resignation, which is how McKee became the governor. The former Cumberland mayor automatically assumed the position when former Gov. Gina Raimondo resigned last month after being sworn in as President Joe Biden’s choice for U.S. commerce secretary.