**The Rhode Island Democratic primary for lieutenant governor on September 9, 2026, features a crowded field led by incumbent Sabina Matos and Newport City Councilor Xaykham Khamsyvoravong, with Providence Councilor Sue AnderBois, former state Senator Cynthia Armour Coyne, and Ross McCurdy trailing.** Recent University of New Hampshire and Emerson College polls from late August show the top two candidates essentially tied in the low 20s amid more than 40% undecided voters, reflecting the low-visibility nature of the office and limited name recognition. Khamsyvoravong has secured key institutional backing from the Rhode Island Association of Democratic City and Town Chairs, Attorney General Peter Neronha, and Congressman Gabe Amo, while outperforming in early fundraising. Matos retains support from labor unions and some advocacy groups but faces headwinds from the state party’s decision not to endorse her, lingering effects from her 2023 congressional campaign, and her association with Governor Dan McKee’s own primary challenges. With the primary days away and no dominant frontrunner, trader probabilities remain tightly clustered as voters weigh local leadership records, endorsements, and turnout dynamics in a race where small shifts in undecided or crossover support could determine the nominee.