Sabina Matos (born November 14, 1974) is an American politician who has served as the 70th Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island since April 14, 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, she is the first Dominican-American and the first woman of color to hold statewide office in Rhode Island.
Early Life and Education
Sabina Matos was born in Barahona, Dominican Republic, on November 14, 1974. Her father was a professor at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, and her mother was a small business owner. Matos immigrated to the United States with her family in 1994, settling in Providence, Rhode Island. She attended the Community College of Rhode Island and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Rhode Island College.Political Career
Providence City Council
Matos began her political career in Providence, Rhode Island. She was first elected to the Providence City Council in 2010, representing Ward 15. During her tenure on the council, she focused on issues such as housing, economic development, and community engagement. She served as President of the Providence City Council from January 2019 until her appointment as Lieutenant Governor in 2021. As Council President, she played a key role in guiding the city's legislative agenda.Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island
In March 2021, Governor Gina Raimondo resigned to become the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. This elevated then-Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee to the governorship. McKee then appointed Matos to fill the vacant Lieutenant Governor position. She was sworn into office on April 14, 2021, making history as the first Dominican-American and first woman of color to hold a statewide office in Rhode Island.As Lieutenant Governor, Matos's office has focused on areas such as supporting small businesses, promoting economic equity, advocating for women and minority communities, and addressing climate change.