Former Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong is making his move — launching a campaign for Lieutenant Governor and setting up what could be a bruising Democratic primary against incumbent Sabina Matos.
Khamsyvoravong, who currently serves on the Newport City Council after leading the city as mayor, announced his bid this morning, casting himself as a tested executive ready to bring energy and direction to an office many critics say has been rudderless under Matos.
Matos’ tenure has been shadowed by controversy and persistent questions about effectiveness, with detractors arguing the lieutenant governor’s office has become largely ceremonial and lacking punch. Some Democrats privately describe her as one of the most underwhelming and unqualified occupants of the role in decades — a sharp critique in a state where politics is never short on intensity.
Khamsyvoravong is drawing a contrast rooted in experience and execution.
The son of a refugee and a pediatrician, he was born, raised, educated and married in Rhode Island. He touts a 20-year record in government and business, saying he’s taken on hard problems head-on and delivered results.
“I’m running for Lieutenant Governor because I believe in the promise of Rhode Island — because I’ve lived it. Today that promise is slipping away,” Khamsyvoravong said. “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.”
Khamsyvoravong’s campaign argues Rhode Islanders are grappling with rising costs, a strained health care system and a State House that needs stronger leadership.
He’ll host a “Pancakes and Primary Care” roundtable Monday morning at the IHOP in East Providence to discuss health care challenges, before holding a campaign kickoff with supporters in Newport later this evening.
Game on in the Democratic primary.
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