Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos announces she will run to replace Cicilline in Congress

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos has officially entered the race to replace David Cicilline in Congress.

In a news release Monday, Matos announced she will run for the seat, adding she will formally kick-off her campaign in April.

“I’m running for Congress because Rhode Islanders deserve a champion who has a deep connection and commitment to the vibrant communities that make up our state,” said Matos.

Matos was elected to a full-term to be Lt. Gov in November after she was appointed to the position in 2021.

Before serving as Lt. Gov, Matos was the Providence City Council President.

The Congressional seat opened after Cicilline announced in February he was leaving Congress mid-term to take over as the head of the Rhode Island Foundation.

Several people announced interest in the seat with Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and former gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes seen as top Democratic nominees for the seat, though neither has officially announced a run.

To date, only former Republican turned Democrat Allen Waters has filed to run for the District 1 Congress seat.