Sabina Matos is running against Cynthia Coyne (D, former State Senator); Sue AnderBois (D, Providence City Councilor); John Loughlin (R).
Vulnerable Democratic incumbent seeking second full term after a failed 2023 congressional bid where she finished 4th with just 8% in the CD-1 primary. Campaign was derailed by a signature fraud scandal in which workers submitted fake signatures and names of dead voters on her nomination papers. A July 2025 Salve Regina poll showed just 23% approve / 46% disapprove overall, though Democratic voters approve 43-20. If she survives the primary, she would remain the first Dominican American elected to statewide office in U.S. history.
Formally launched reelection Feb 4, 2026 at Farm Fresh RI with 100+ supporters. Faces a crowded Democratic primary: former State Sen. Cynthia Coyne (filed June 2025, $101,662 COH) and Providence City Councilor Sue AnderBois ($66,000 COH). Eric Ulis dropped out. Republican John Loughlin ($17,328 COH) is the lone GOP candidate. Signature scandal: campaign worker Holly McClaren pled no contest to felony falsification charges (3 years suspended, 3 years probation); Matos was not personally implicated but the scandal cost her the congressional race. Won 2022 Lt Gov race with 51.2% general and 47.1% primary against Deborah Ruggiero (33.1%) and Cynthia Mendes (19.8%).
Key dates to watch: Primary on September 8, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.