PROVIDENCE — Gov. Dan McKee on Wednesday nominated Superior Court Judge Luis M. Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, setting in motion a confirmation process that will require approval by both chambers of the General Assembly.
Nomination and next steps
The governor selected Matos from among several candidates for the open high-court seat. The nomination triggers a legislative review that, by statute, must be completed within 60 days of the governor’s formal submission of the nomination letter — a step state House officials say has not yet occurred.
According to a spokesperson for the House of Representatives, the clock on the 60-day review period does not start until the governor transmits an official letter to the legislature. A statement from the House indicated leaders will coordinate with the governor’s office to establish a timeline, with officials noting the process is expected to take place after the Nov. 3 election.
About Judge Matos
Matos has served on the Rhode Island Superior Court since 2012. In remarks responding to the nomination, Matos expressed humility and a sense of duty to the law and the public.
“I am honored and humbled by the trust the governor has placed in me,” said Matos. “I’ve been a Superior Court judge for 14 years and I’m fully aware of the responsibility to the law and to the people of Rhode Island that all of us who take the oath bear.”
Gov. McKee described his selection as driven by the need to appoint a jurist with unquestionable qualifications and a strong record of fair judging.
“[It’s] a responsibility to the people of Rhode Island to nominate someone with unquestionable qualifications, an impeccable reputation and a strong record in strong and fair judging,” the governor said.
Context: other contenders and an ongoing dispute
The governor’s choice came after consideration of multiple candidates, including former House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi. Shekarchi resigned as speaker in May to pursue the Supreme Court vacancy. His bid generated a complaint with the Rhode Island Ethics Commission alleging a potential violation of the state’s “revolving door” rule, which limits certain post-legislative employment for a specified period.
The complaint and a related court challenge concerning Shekarchi’s eligibility remain unresolved. In a message to news outlets, Shekarchi congratulated Matos on the nomination and thanked supporters of his own candidacy.
Those developments add a political and legal dimension to what otherwise is a constitutionally prescribed appointment process: the governor nominates, and the legislature confirms or rejects.
What comes next for confirmation
Under current practice, the confirmation sequence typically includes committee hearings, public testimony and then a full vote in both the House and Senate. The governor’s office must submit the formal nomination letter to begin that statutory 60-day consideration window.
Legislative leaders have said they will coordinate a timeline with the governor’s office for submitting the nomination after the Nov. 3 election. Until that letter is filed, no formal review period has begun.
Quick facts
- Nominee: Luis M. Matos
- Current post: Rhode Island Superior Court judge
- Years on bench: Since 2012
- Legislative review: 60-day window that starts upon formal submission of the nomination
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Nominee | Judge Luis M. Matos |
| Current role | Superior Court judge |
| Tenure | Appointed to Superior Court in 2012 (14 years on the bench) |
Why this matters locally
The nomination will shape the composition of Rhode Island’s highest court, affecting how legal disputes and constitutional questions are decided for years to come. Supreme Court justices hear appeals on a wide range of issues, from criminal sentences and civil disputes to questions about state law and administrative agency actions.
The confirmation process presents opportunities for public scrutiny of Matos’ record on the bench. Legislators and interested Rhode Islanders will be able to review his judicial decisions, ask questions about his judicial philosophy and weigh his qualifications before casting votes.
As the General Assembly prepares for that review, the governor’s nomination of Matos begins the formal process that will determine who assumes the open seat on Rhode Island’s Supreme Court.
(Reporting from WJAR contributed to this story.)
