Xay’s my guy for Lieutenant Governor, because he’s a forward-thinking leader who will help us navigate the major challenges and hurdles facing Rhode Island families with competence and common sense.
It may seem unusual for a Blackstone Valley Senator to endorse a former mayor of Newport, but let me explain why I, and so many of your elected officials, are backing Xay Khamsyvoravong.
From high levels of children living in poverty, to the need for improved infrastructure, Woonsocket, Cumberland and Newport share many of the same struggles. As mayor of Newport, Xay proved he knows how to fight and win for communities outside of the capital – like Woonsocket and Cumberland.
There’s no shortage of loud voices in politics, but the effective ones are rare. I was impressed when Xay appeared before me at the Senate Finance Committee, advocating to save Newport Hospital’s labor and delivery unit when health care CEOs threatened to close it. He fought to get the health care system to put people over profits – and won.
But we also need leaders who can help us chart a course for the future. In the Blackstone Valley, we know the American dream should be available to those willing to work hard. Xay is the only candidate focused on helping Rhode Islanders have a pathway toward jobs that pay a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. To do so, he’s proposed that we ensure students graduate
not just with an academic diploma, but a certification in a technical skill preparing them for jobs Rhode Island badly needs filled – in fields like the building trades and health care.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting Xay for Lieutenant Governor, because action and change can’t wait any longer.
Brian Thompson, Woonsocket
Thompson represents Senate District 20 in Woonsocket and Cumberland. He was first elected to serve in 2024, and formerly served a term on the Woonsocket City Council.
