The 2026 Rhode Island lieutenant gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the lieutenant governor of Rhode Island. Incumbent Democrat Sabina Matos is running for a second full term.
Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Sabina Matos, incumbent lieutenant governor (2021–present) Eliminated in primary Sue AnderBois, Providence city councilor Cynthia Armour Coyne, former state senator from the 32nd district (2014–2023) Xay Khamsyvoravong, former mayor of Newport Ross McCurdy, independent candidate for lieutenant governor in 2022
Withdrawn Eric Ulis, researcher Fred McLin III, former Veterans’ Caseworker and Community Liaison for Congressman Gabe Amo
Declined Bill Bartholomew, radio host Don Grebien, mayor of Pawtucket (2011–present) (running for reelection) Peter Neronha, attorney general of Rhode Island (2019–present) (endorsed Khamsyvoravong) Maria Rivera, mayor of Central Falls (2020–present)
Endorsements
Debate + 2026 Rhode Island lieutenant gubernatorial election Democratic primary debate Date Host Moderator Link Democratic Democratic Democratic DemocraticKey: Participant Absent Not invited Invited Withdrawn Sue AnderBois Cynthia Armour Coyne Xay Khamsyvoravong Sabina Matos1 July 31, 2026 WPRI-TV Ted NesiTim White YouTube
Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error SueAnderBois CynthiaArmour Coyne XayKhamsyvoravong SabrinaMatos RossMcCurdy Other UndecidedUniversity of New HampshireAugust 20–24, 2026451 (LV)± 4.6%8%5%22%20%2%1%42%Emerson College/WPRI-TVAugust 21–22, 2026528 (LV)± 4.2%8%9%18%20%4%–43%Embold ResearchAugust 3–11, 2026(LV)—8%2%16%18%4%3%48%
Results
Republican primary Candidates Nominee John Loughlin, former state representative from the 71st district (2005–2011) and nominee for Rhode Island's 1st congressional district in 2010 Declined Aaron Guckian, trade association executive and nominee in 2022 (running for governor)
Results
Independents Candidates Did not qualify Mabel Martinez
General election Post-primary endorsements
Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof errorSabinaMatos (D)JohnLoughlin (R) Other UndecidedUniversity of New HampshireSeptember 17–21, 2026598 (LV)±4.0%48%44%7%
See also 2026 United States lieutenant gubernatorial elections
Notes
Partisan clients
References
External links Official campaign websites John Loughlin (R) for Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos (D) for Lieutenant Governor