East Providence Mayor Roberto “Bob” DaSilva on Thursday endorsed Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos in her bid for a second term, lending the incumbent a prominent local voice as the Democratic primary for Rhode Island’s second-highest office grows more competitive.
“Sabina fights tirelessly for everyday Rhode Islanders and always prioritizes the needs of our local communities,” DaSilva said in a statement. “She has a proven record of results and we need her now more than ever.”
Matos, a former Providence City Council president who was first appointed lieutenant governor in 2021 and won election statewide in 2022, is the first Dominican American to hold statewide office in the United States and the first woman of color to serve as Rhode Island’s lieutenant governor. She formally launched her re-election campaign Feb. 4.
In office, Matos has focused on small business support, housing affordability and expanding access to fresh food in underserved communities. She chairs several statewide councils, including the Small Business Advocacy Council and the Emergency Management Advisory Council, and has continued the office’s work supporting veterans and military families.
DaSilva, a former member of the General Assembly and retired police captain, praised Matos’ work with local governments. Matos returned the compliment, calling DaSilva a “champion for the people of his city.”
“His support means so much,” Matos said. “He shares my commitment to public service and I look forward to working with him in the future.”
The endorsement comes as Matos faces a crowded Democratic primary that includes former state Sen. Cindy Coyne of Barrington, Providence City Councilor Sue AnderBois, and former Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong. Rhode Island’s primary is scheduled for Sept. 8, followed by the general election Nov. 3.
