A crowded five-candidate Democratic primary for Rhode Island lieutenant governor, scheduled for September 9, features incumbent Sabina Matos facing challengers including Newport City Councilor Xaykham Khamsyvoravong, Providence City Councilor Sue AnderBois, former state Senator Cynthia Armour Coyne, and Ross McCurdy. Recent University of New Hampshire and Emerson/WPRI polls show Matos and Khamsyvoravong essentially tied in the low 20s with more than 40 percent undecided, reflecting a lack of party endorsement at the state convention and split support from labor, municipal, and legislative groups. Khamsyvoravong has secured backing from U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo and Attorney General Peter Neronha, while late-campaign exchanges over fundraising and outside spending have sharpened contrasts without producing a clear frontrunner. High undecided levels and early voting underway leave room for last-minute shifts in voter preference before primary ballots close.