Pete Buttigieg endorses Sabina Matos for Lt. Governor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Former U.S. Transportation Secretary and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg endorses Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos in her bid for reelection.

Adding momentum to her reelection campaign, incumbent Democrat Sabina Matos recently secured a high-profile endorsement from former U.S. Transportation Secretary and former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg.

In a campaign video, Buttigieg praised Matos’ leadership and commitment to public service, describing her as a dedicated advocate for Rhode Islanders and urging voters to support her bid for another term.

Matos has served as lieutenant governor since 2021 and won a full term in 2022. She is now seeking reelection as attention begins to focus on the 2026 campaign cycle.

The endorsement marks a significant development in the race, giving Matos support from one of the Democratic Party’s most recognizable national figures as campaigns begin to take shape ahead of 2026.

Before the general election, Matos is expected to face Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore in a Democratic primary, setting up a closely watched contest between two established statewide officials.

A newly released Opinion Diagnostics survey conducted April 13–16 among 802 likely general election voters found Matos and Republican candidate John Loughlin locked in a virtual tie in the 2026 lieutenant governor race. The poll, which has a margin of error of ±3.5%, suggests the contest remains too close to call and could become one of the state’s most competitive statewide races.

With the race already tightening and a major national endorsement now in play, Rhode Island’s lieutenant governor contest is shaping up to be one to watch.