Rhode Island Lt. Governor Candidates Clash in First Televised Debate
Rhode Island Lt. Governor candidates Sabina Matos and John Loughlin participated in their first televised debate at WPRI 12 studios, discussing topics such as ICE, energy, and grocery stores.
Providence New Bedford, RI, September 25, 2026 —
Rhode Island Lt. Governor candidates Sabina Matos and John Loughlin convened for their inaugural televised debate on Tuesday, engaging in discussions on key policy areas including immigration, energy, and the state of local grocery stores. The event, held at the WPRI 12 studios, marked a significant milestone in the campaign as the candidates presented their platforms and debated their approaches to pressing issues facing the state.
Sabina Matos, representing the Democratic party, and John Loughlin, the Republican candidate, addressed a range of topics during the televised forum. While the specific details of their policy proposals on immigration, energy, and the grocery sector were discussed, the precise nature of their proposals and any notable points of contention or agreement were not further elaborated upon in the summary provided. The debate provided voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates as they vie for the position of Lieutenant Governor.
The candidates’ discussions on energy policy likely touched upon Rhode Island’s approach to renewable energy, grid reliability, and consumer costs. Similarly, their remarks regarding grocery stores may have addressed issues such as food security, supply chain challenges, or consumer prices. The candidates also reportedly discussed matters related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), indicating a focus on national security and immigration policy as relevant to the state.
This debate served as the first televised exchange between Matos and Loughlin, offering a crucial platform for them to articulate their visions for Rhode Island and differentiate themselves from their opponent. Further details on the specific policy positions and the exchange of ideas between the candidates were not available. The event was broadcast from the WPRI 12 studios, providing visibility for the candidates’ campaigns.
Story summarized from the original created by Tim White on www.wpri.com, see more information here.
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