Xaykham Khamsyvoravong

Xaykham Khamsyvoravong earned a high school diploma from Barrington High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Brown University in 2006, a degree from Brown University in 2007, and a law degree from the Roger Williams University School of Law in 2020. His career experience includes working as an attorney/businessman.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Xay Khamsyvoravong - pronounced “Sigh,” - is the former mayor of Newport and has built a career solving tough problems in business and government.

The son of a Laotian refugee and a Providence pediatrician, Xay worked his way through Brown University by waiting tables, serving coffee and coaching youth sports. He later earned his law degree from Roger Williams University, where he met his wife, Alicia.

After moving to Newport, Xay was elected to the City Council and unanimously chosen by his colleagues to serve as mayor. Re-elected as an at-large councilor in 2024, he lowered taxes for working families, expanded middle-class and workforce housing, increased investment in schools, and created Rhode Island's first municipal resiliency department.

When Newport Hospital's Birthing Center faced closure, Xay helped organize the community to keep maternity services available for local families.

During his two-decade career, Xay has helped communities strengthen public finances and modernize infrastructure. As deputy chief of staff to Rhode Island Treasurer Frank Caprio, he helped navigate the 2008 financial crisis. As chair of Providence Water, he led the utility's transition to solar power, saving nearly $1 million annually while helping keep water rates among the state's lowest and advancing lead service line replacement.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I’m a business leader, attorney and former mayor of Newport with two decades of experience solving difficult problems in government and the private sector.

I’ve brought people together to protect Newport Hospital’s Birthing Center, expand housing, lower taxes for working families, invest in schools and infrastructure, and advance clean energy. As lieutenant governor, I’ll bring that same urgency, competence and focus on results to state government.Rhode Island families are being squeezed by rising costs, limited access to health care and a shortage of good-paying career opportunities. I’ll fight to make health care more accessible and affordable, strengthen workforce training and apprenticeships, expand housing opportunities, and help Rhode Islanders access the skills they need for family-sustaining careers. Government should work every day to make life more affordable and secure.Change can’t wait. Rhode Island needs forward-looking leaders who will take on tough challenges, hold powerful interests accountable and prepare our state for the future. I’ll stand against Republican efforts to bring Trump’s failed policies to Rhode Island, fight to protect Medicaid and essential services, and ensure government works with competence, common sense and compassion. I’m running to deliver practical results for every Rhode Islander.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about expanding access to health care, building pathways to good-paying careers and making government work better for people. In Newport, I fought to protect maternity care, expand housing and invest in resilient infrastructure. As chair of the Governor’s Workforce Board, I’ve worked to connect Rhode Islanders with training, apprenticeships and careers in growing industries. I also care deeply about strengthening public education, addressing climate change and ensuring working- and middle-class families can afford to build their futures here.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Attorney General Peter Neronha, RI Association of Democratic City and Town Chairs, Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP), Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena, Jr., Johnston Town Council Vice President Lauren Garzone, Newport Mayor Charlie Holder, Providence City Councilor Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Newport City Council, Fred McLin (former candidate for Lieutenant Governor 2026), Warwick City Councilor Vinny Gebhart (Ward 9), Providence City Councilor Jim Taylor (Ward 8), Former Providence City Councilors Terry Hassett (Ward 12), Portsmouth Town Councilman and Democratic Town Committee Chair Juan Carlos Payero, Michael Correia (Ward 6) and 11 Democratic City and Town Committees