A crowded five-candidate Democratic primary for Rhode Island lieutenant governor has kept the race tight ahead of the September 9 vote, with incumbent Sabina Matos and Newport City Councilor Xay Khamsyvoravong polling neck-and-neck in the low 20s percent range while more than 40 percent of likely voters remain undecided. Recent endorsements from U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo and Attorney General Peter Neronha have boosted Khamsyvoravong, while Matos retains support from labor unions and some municipal groups; the state Democratic Party declined to endorse any candidate. Late-campaign attacks over outside spending and the office’s limited visibility have prevented any contender from consolidating support, leaving room for last-minute shifts from undecided voters or turnout differences among the remaining candidates.