RI DEM Director Breaks Rank With McKee on Lt. Governor’s Race

RI DEM Director Breaks Rank With McKee on Lt. Governor’s Race

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray is breaking ranks with his boss, Dan McKee, in an unprecedented move.

First, state department directors rarely venture into deep political waters, as they generally try to appear nonpolitical.

Gray is an appointee of McKee. Sabina Matos was first appointed to the Lt. Governor’s position by McKee in 2021 and then was elected to the position in 2022.

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McKee and Matos ran as a team in that election, and while they have had some bumpy times during the past five years, the two have consistently been linked at press conferences and in announcing policy initiatives. 

McKee is supporting all of the incumbent Democrats running for the General Offices in 2026 — Matos,  Secretary of State Gregg Amore, and General Treasurer James Diossa.

Now, Gray has broken ranks quite publicly. He is hosting a political event for one of Matos' opponents.

 

Gray posted to social media his strong support for Matos’ opponent, Providence City Councilor Sue Anderbois, and that he is cohosting the event:

 

Hello, family, friends, and neighbors!

 

I am writing to invite you out for a pint in support of my friend Sue Anderbois, who is running for Lieutenant Governor in Rhode Island this year. On Thursday, May 14th, at 5:00 p.m., my friends Kate, Hank, and I are hosting a Meet and Greet with Sue at Crafted Hope Brewing Co. in East Greenwich. I hope you'll join us.

 

If you don't yet know Sue, I will tell you that she is supercharged with energy, committed to good, open government, and wicked smart. She's worked in policy and advocacy circles to strengthen our food and energy systems by day, and serves her community as a Providence City Councilor for Ward 3 by night. Sue loves Rhode Island so much that she is willing to put herself out there to serve the people of our state as Lieutenant Governor. I would love for you to meet her and see for yourself what she can do for you and your families.

 

UPDATED: Gray said after the story was first published, "I am very good friends with Sue - and it's not a fundraiser- it’s a meet and greet to introduce her to people beyond Providence."

 

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version spelled Gray incorrectly. It has been corrected.