Montalbano Confirmed as Rhode Island Superior Court's Newest Presiding Judge

The former state senator will now oversee the state's top trial court network.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:52pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a judge's gavel resting on a wooden bench, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of contemplation and the weight of judicial responsibility.The appointment of a former state senator as Rhode Island's new top judge reflects the complex relationship between the legislative and judicial branches.Providence Today

Joseph Montalbano, a former Rhode Island state senator, has been unanimously confirmed by the state Senate to serve as the new presiding justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court. Montalbano, who has served as an associate superior court judge since 2013, will now oversee the operations of the state's top trial court network, including managing staff, assigning judges, and ensuring fair and efficient administration of justice across the state.

Why it matters

Montalbano's appointment as presiding judge of the Rhode Island Superior Court is significant, as he will be responsible for leading one of the state's most important judicial institutions. His background as a former state senator is seen as valuable experience that will inform his approach to the role, though some have raised concerns about former lawmakers joining the judiciary.

The details

The Rhode Island Senate voted 36-0 to confirm Montalbano's nomination by Governor Dan McKee to the $226,123-a-year presiding justice role. As presiding judge, Montalbano will oversee around 165 staff members, including clerks and stenographers, as well as assign judges to specialty calendars and select the jury commissioner. Senators praised Montalbano's thoughtful, measured, and fair approach to the law during his time as a magistrate and associate superior court judge.

  • On April 2, 2026, the Rhode Island Senate voted 36-0 to confirm Montalbano's nomination.
  • Montalbano will be sworn in as the new presiding justice on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Joseph Montalbano

A former Rhode Island state senator who has served as an associate superior court judge since 2013. He will now serve as the presiding justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court, overseeing the state's top trial court network.

Daniel J. McKee

The current Governor of Rhode Island, who nominated Montalbano for the presiding justice role.

Matthew LaMountain

A Warwick Democrat who chairs the Rhode Island Senate Committee on Judiciary, and who praised Montalbano's qualifications during the confirmation process.

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What they’re saying

“The presiding justice is not only tasked with deciding cases, but with leading an institution, managing budgets, court staff, supporting fellow judges, and ensuring that justice is administered fairly, efficiently, and with integrity across the state.”

— Matthew LaMountain, Chair, Rhode Island Senate Committee on Judiciary

“The dignity, respect, and courtesy, which he treats everyone, that appears before us and in his courtroom, provides a model for all judicial appointees.”

— Matthew LaMountain, Chair, Rhode Island Senate Committee on Judiciary

What’s next

Montalbano will be sworn in as the new presiding justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Montalbano's confirmation as presiding judge of the Rhode Island Superior Court highlights the value that former state lawmakers can bring to the judiciary, with his experience in the legislature seen as an asset in understanding statutory construction, legislative intent, and the real-world impact of laws. However, his appointment has also renewed concerns about the increasing number of former lawmakers joining the state's judiciary.