6 candidates are running: Cynthia Armour Coyne (Democratic), Fred McLin III (Democratic), John Loughlin (Republican), Sabina Matos (Democratic), Sue AnderBois (Democratic), and Xay Khamsyvoravong (Democratic). Sabina Matos is the incumbent.

Unofficial result: Sabina Matos (Democratic) and John Loughlin (Republican) advanced to the next round.

Lieutenant Governor

Name: Lieutenant Governor
Start: 2026-09-09
Location: Rhode Island

Unofficial result: Advanced — Sabina Matos (Democratic), John Loughlin (Republican)

Source: electionresults.ri.gov

Rhode Island

My vote power: Average

What does this office do?

Taking over if the governor leaves office
Running the state senate's sessions, in many states
Breaking tie votes in the state senate, in many states

Affects: AI Regulation, Healthcare Affordability, Environment and Public Health,

Candidates:

Cynthia Armour Coyne

Did not advance

Democratic

Cynthia Armour Coyne is a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island in 2026. She served as a state senator from the 32nd district from 2014 to 2023 and is a retired Rhode Island State Police officer.

Records: Gun Control 1 for

Fred McLin III

Did not advance

Democratic

Fred McLin III is a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island in 2026. He worked as a veterans' caseworker and community liaison for Congressman Gabe Amo.

John Loughlin

Advanced

Republican

John Loughlin is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and former state representative for Tiverton, Little Compton, and Portsmouth who hosted a weekly WPRO radio show. He focuses on exposing government waste and fraud and on lowering electric bills.

Records: Anti-Corruption 1 for

Sabina Matos

Advanced

Democratic · Incumbent

Sabina Matos has been Rhode Island's lieutenant governor since 2021 and before that served ten years on the Providence City Council, including two years as council president. She focuses on lowering grocery costs and building affordable housing.

Records: Corporate Accountability 2 for, Housing Affordability 2 for, Public Safety and Crime Control 2 for,

Sue AnderBois

Did not advance

Democratic

Sue AnderBois is a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island in 2026. She serves on the Providence City Council and has worked on food policy and environmental issues.

Xay Khamsyvoravong

Did not advance

Democratic

Xay Khamsyvoravong is a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island in 2026. He served as mayor of Newport, Rhode Island.

Records: Environment and Public Health 2 for, Public Infrastructure 2 for, Government Efficiency 1 for,

Source: en.wikipedia.org