Former Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong enters Rhode Island lieutenant governor's race

Khamsyvoravong, the son of a Laotian refugee and a Providence pediatrician, frames his campaign around economic anxiety and government's failure to keep pace with change.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Former Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong entered the race for Rhode Island lieutenant governor on Monday, becoming the latest Democrat to join a crowded primary field ahead of the state's September 8 election. Khamsyvoravong, who was elected to the Newport City Council before being unanimously selected by his peers to serve as mayor, framed his campaign around economic anxiety and what he called government's failure to keep pace with change.

Why it matters

The Rhode Island lieutenant governor's race is shaping up to be a competitive Democratic primary, with Khamsyvoravong joining incumbent Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, former state Sen. Cindy Coyne, and Providence City Councilor Sue AnderBois in the race. Khamsyvoravong's entry adds a new voice and perspective, as he positions himself as a leader who can adapt government to the challenges facing the state.

The details

During his time as mayor, Newport created the state's first resiliency department, made investments in workforce housing and schools, and lowered taxes. Khamsyvoravong also served as deputy chief of staff to Rhode Island's state treasurer, helping navigate the 2008 financial crisis, and chaired Providence Water for nearly a decade, where he shifted the utility to solar power and saved nearly $1 million a year in energy costs.

  • Khamsyvoravong entered the race for Rhode Island lieutenant governor on Monday, March 2, 2026.
  • The Rhode Island primary election is scheduled for September 8, 2026.
  • The Rhode Island general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

The players

Xay Khamsyvoravong

Former Newport mayor and the latest Democrat to join the crowded primary field for Rhode Island lieutenant governor.

Sabina Matos

Incumbent Rhode Island lieutenant governor, who formally launched her re-election bid on February 4, 2026.

Cindy Coyne

Former state senator from Barrington, who announced her candidacy for Rhode Island lieutenant governor in June 2025.

Sue AnderBois

Providence City Councilor, who is also running for Rhode Island lieutenant governor.

John Loughlin

The only Republican candidate in the Rhode Island lieutenant governor's race.

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What they’re saying

“Government has failed to adapt to change, and now people like Donald Trump are pitting us against one another. It's time for a new generation of leadership with bold ideas — like the investments we made when I was Mayor, in housing, infrastructure, and education — without raising taxes on working families.”

— Xay Khamsyvoravong, Former Newport mayor (whatsupnewp.com)

What’s next

Khamsyvoravong announced plans to host a 'Pancakes and Primary Care' roundtable with primary care professionals at the IHOP in East Providence on Monday morning, followed by a kickoff event with supporters in Newport on Monday evening.

The takeaway

Khamsyvoravong's entry into the Rhode Island lieutenant governor's race adds a new voice and perspective, as he positions himself as a leader who can adapt government to the challenges facing the state. His focus on economic anxiety and government's failure to keep pace with change could resonate with voters looking for a fresh approach.