Progressive Activists … Centrist Democrats … Organized Labor … Religious Leaders join an impressive list of endorsements in the first full day of the Sabina Matos Election Campaign. Making the size/scope of the list even more impactful, so early on in the campaign, is the crowded field of established Democrats facing the September 13 Primary.

The Coalition will reach out to many of the political leaders listed below to discuss their motivations in supporting Ms. Matos.

From The Sabina Matos Campaign:

A day after launching her campaign for reelection, Lt. Governor Sabina Matos unveiled an initial wave of endorsements from labor, community, faith, and elected leaders. The list of endorsers includes enthusiastic support from the Rhode Island Building Trades, SEIU Local 580, IUPAT, and LiUNA!.

 

“Since I was sworn into office, I’ve taken pride in being a Lt. Governor for every Rhode Islander. Having the support of such a diverse group of leaders is truly humbling,” said Lt. Governor Matos. “This campaign is about the issues that matter to every day Rhode Islanders and is about giving everyone a seat at the table.”

 

Lt. Governor Matos broke a glass ceiling in the Northeast when she was appointed Lt. Governor. She is the first Black woman to hold statewide office in New England, and she is the first Afro-Latina in Rhode Island to serve as a general officer. Her lived expertise gives countless Rhode Islanders who have traditionally been underrepresented a clear voice at the table with other statewide leaders and decision-makers.

 

“Like many of our members, Sabina Matos is an American success story. Ms. Matos immigrated to Rhode Island from the Dominican Republic. Called to public service, she was elected to, and then became President of the Providence City Council,” said Michael Sabitoni, Chairman of the Rhode Island Council of Building Trades. “While on the council, she championed the passage of numerous ordinances promoting economic development for Providence residents and their families. Sabina never forgot the importance of working hard in service to the community. As the first Dominican American Lt. Governor elected in state history, she shattered a glass ceiling long overdue for smashing, and uses her office every day to advocate for all Rhode Islanders. The RI Council of Building Trades is proud to endorse her.”

List of Endorsers:

  • Governor Dan McKee

  • Mayor Bob DaSilva (East Providence)

  • Mayor Don Grebien (Pawtucket)

  • Mayor Charles Lombardi (North Providence)

  • Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano (Newport)

  • Former Mayor Angel Taveras (Providence)

  • Senator and Majority Whip Mary Ellen Goodwin (Providence)

  • Senator Stephen Archambault (Smithfield)

  • Senator Meghan Kallman (Pawtucket)

  • Senator Ana Quezada (Providence)

  • Senator Lou Raptakis (Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich)

  • Representative Grace Diaz (Providence)

  • Representative Anastasia Williams (Providence)

  • Representative Marcia Ranglin Vassell (Providence)

  • Representative Carlos Tobon (Pawtucket)

  • Council President Suzy Alba (Smithfield)

  • Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Providence)

  • Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Providence)

  • Councilmember Jessica Vega (Central Falls)

  • Councilman Sean Kilduff (Smithfield)

  • Councilmember Caswell Cooke (Westerly)

  • Councilmember Aniece Germain (Cranston)

  • General Secretary Treasurer Armand Sabitoni (LiUNA!)

  • Chairman Michael Sabitoni (Rhode Island Council of Building Trades)

  • President Matthew Gunnip (SEIU Local 580)

  • Assistant to the General President Scott Duhamel (IUPAT)

  • Former Chair Bill Lynch (Rhode Island Democratic Party)

  • Pastor Priscialla Tineo

  • Pastor Tomas Tineo

  • Channacy Chhay

  • Belen Florez

  • Melba Depena

  • Steven Iannazi

  • Carmen Diaz Jusino

  • Anthony Aquino

  • Elvys Ruiz

  • Marisol Camilo

Lt. Governor Matos grew up in the city of Paraiso, in the Dominican Republic. At 20, she immigrated to the US, living with family in New York City and working in a clothing factory. Later, she moved to Providence, where she took English language courses while working at the Swarovski jewelry plant. In 2001, Sabina graduated from Rhode Island College. She served for 10 years on the Providence City Council, including two years as Council President. Lt. Governor Matos lives in Olneyville with her husband Patrick and their two children.

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