2026 Rhode Island lieutenant gubernatorial election

For related races, see 2026 United States lieutenant gubernatorial elections.

2026 Rhode Island lieutenant gubernatorial election

←  2022 November 3, 2026 2030 →

Party Democratic Republican

Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos Democratic

The 2026 Rhode Island lieutenant gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the lieutenant governor of Rhode Island. Incumbent Democratic Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos is running for a second full term. ^[1]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Cynthia Armour Coyne, former state senator from the 32nd district (2014–2023) ^[2]
• Sabina Matos, incumbent Lieutenant Governor (2021–present) ^[1]
• Eric Ulis, researcher ^[3]

Publicly expressed interest

• Sue AnderBois, Providence city councilor ^[4]
• Bill Bartholomew, journalist, artist, and radio personality ^[5]
• Stephen Casey, state representative from the 50th district (2013–present) and candidate for Rhode Island's 1st congressional district in 2023 ^[6]
• Louis DiPalma, state senator from the 12th district (2009–present) ^[6]

Declined

• Don Grebien, mayor of Pawtucket (2011–present) ^[6]
• Peter Neronha, Rhode Island Attorney General (2019–present) ^[7]
• Maria Rivera, mayor of Central Falls (2020–present) ^[8]

Republican primary

Publicly expressed interest

• Aaron Guckian, executive director of the Rhode Island Dental Association and nominee in 2022 ^[6]

Potential

• Kenneth Hopkins, mayor of Cranston (2021–present) ^[4]

See also

• 2026 United States lieutenant gubernatorial elections

References

1. Donnis, Ian (September 30, 2024). "Approval for McKee and Matos falls in new Pell Center poll". The Public's Radio . Retrieved January 7, 2025.
2. Nesi, Ted (June 10, 2025). "Former State Sen. Cindy Coyne will run for RI lieutenant governor in 2026". WPRI-TV . Retrieved June 10, 2025.
3. Baccari, Raymond (July 1, 2025). "Political newcomer Eric Ulis announces run for RI lieutenant governor in 2026". WPRI-TV . Retrieved July 1, 2025.
4. Nesi, Ted (July 19, 2025). "Nesi's Notes: July 19". WPRI-TV . Retrieved July 22, 2025.
5. Baccari, Raymond (May 14, 2025). "Podcaster, radio host Bill Bartholomew weighs 2026 run for lieutenant governor". WPRI-TV . Retrieved May 14, 2025.
6. Fitzpatrick, Edward (August 19, 2025). "R.I. expecting competitive race for lieutenant governor in 2026. Who's likely to run?". The Boston Globe . Retrieved September 22, 2025.
7. Crandall, Brian (May 29, 2025). "Attorney General Neronha 'semi-interested' in run for governor". WJAR . Retrieved June 2, 2025.
8. Fitzpatrick, Edward (August 19, 2025). "R.I.'s first Latina mayor won't run for lieutenant governor". The Boston Globe . Retrieved September 7, 2025.

External links

Official campaign websites

• Cindy Coyne (D) for Lieutenant Governor
• Sabina Matos (D) for Lieutenant Governor
• Eric Ulis (D) for Lieutenant Governor