Governor McKee Nominated Matos to Supreme Court
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee selected Judge Luis M. Matos to fill a vacancy on the state Supreme Court.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
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On August 12, 2026, Governor Dan McKee nominated Judge Luis M. Matos to serve on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Matos was selected to replace Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg, who has retired from the bench.
Why it matters
The nomination fills a critical vacancy on the state's highest court, requiring approval from both the state Senate and the House of Representatives. This appointment marks a significant career milestone for Matos, who has served in the state judiciary since 2012.
Judge Luis M. Matos, 62, previously served as an assistant U.S. Attorney for 12 years. During his tenure on the Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts, he helped remit $1.2 million in court debt.
The players
Dan McKee
Dan McKee is the Governor of Rhode Island who is responsible for judicial appointments.
Luis M. Matos
Luis M. Matos is a 62-year-old judge nominated for the state Supreme Court after serving on the Superior Court.
Maureen McKenna Goldberg
Maureen McKenna Goldberg is the retiring Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
Lincoln Chafee
Lincoln Chafee is a former Governor of Rhode Island who appointed Matos to the Superior Court in 2012.
The details
The Judicial Nominating Commission provided a list of five candidates to Governor Dan McKee, who ultimately chose Matos. A Portuguese immigrant who arrived in the United States at age 5, Matos holds a juris doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
Timeline
Matos served as a federal prosecutor from 1997 to 2000.
He was appointed to the Superior Court in 2012.
Governor McKee announced the nomination on August 12, 2026.
The legislature is expected to consider the nomination after November 2026.
Market Landscape
The nomination follows the standardized vetting process established by the Rhode Island Judicial Nominating Commission. This shift positions Matos to join the state's highest bench following a competitive selection cycle among five finalists.
The appointment will shape future judicial rulings that affect state law and individual legal rights for Rhode Island residents. Citizens can expect the state legislature to debate the nominee's qualifications as they determine the composition of the Supreme Court.
The takeaway
This nomination represents a major transition for the state judiciary following the retirement of a long-standing justice. Voters should monitor the upcoming legislative session to see how the confirmation process proceeds.
What happens next
The state legislature is scheduled to consider the judicial nomination following the November 2026 election.
Further reading
For more context on leadership changes in the state, visit Rhode Island People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USA TODAY.
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