Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee sworn in for first full term in office

PROVIDENCE — Gov. Dan McKee on Tuesday began his first full term in office before a standing-room-only crowd sheltered from the rain in the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Rhode Island's 76th governor, McKee chose to avoid the risk of inclement weather by holding the ceremony indoors rather than at the traditional setting on the south steps of the State House. As it turned out, temperatures were in the 40s, but the ceremony may have been moved indoors anyway thanks to a steady rain. Event organizers estimated just shy of 1,000 people attended the inauguration.

Standing in front of flags from every Rhode Island city and town, 71-year-old McKee took the oath of office for the second time, the first being when he was elevated to the office from lieutenant governor when his predecessor, Gov. Gina Raimondo, joined the Biden Cabinet as secretary of commerce.

Along with McKee, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos was sworn in for her first full term, having served in the job since McKee appointed her to replace himself in 2021.

Attorney General Peter Neronha was sworn in for a second term, while Secretary of State Gregg Amore and General Treasurer James Diossa began their first terms.

McKee's first inauguration was held in the traditional State House outdoor setting, but COVID-19 precautions meant everyone participating in the inaugural was wearing a mask.

"I stood before you and made a commitment that, together, we would get shots in arms, get Rhode Islanders back to work, get teachers and students fully back in the classroom, and get our economy moving again," McKee said, looking back on the winter of 2021 in remarks after taking the oath of office Tuesday. "I asked for your help because I knew it would take all of us, playing as one team, to get it done. As a former coach, I was proud to see our state’s teamwork in action."

McKee described the nearly two years since he became governor as the "longest transition" in the history of the state.

He reiterated his goals to raise residents' incomes and educational outcomes while reducing chronic illness throughout the state.

"Rhode Island, this is our time," he said. "This is our moment. It’s our turn."

Remembering Lincoln Almond:Former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond dies

The inauguration ceremony, the 111th in the state's history, was the first held at the Convention Center since Lincoln Almond held it there in 1999. As it happened, Almond died Monday and McKee held a moment of silence for him.

The inauguration's indoor setting made it easier for elderly family members to attend, and McKee, Matos and Neronha were all joined by loved ones in their 90s.

Neronha introduced his 93-year-old father as a Korean War veteran with "as much fight in him today" as he did "when I first came into this world."

McKee's 94-year-old mother, Willa, a well-known figure in his campaign commercials this election season, had a seat in the front row.

And so did Matos' 98-year-old grandmother, who Matos said worked long hours in New York City garment factories to provide for her family.

Matos is Rhode Island's first Hispanic lieutenant governor.

"Today I am the first Latina and first Black woman elected lieutenant governor in Rhode Island," Matos said to applause. "But I promise you that I will not be the last."

Neronha will be term-limited from seeking reelection in 2026, leading to speculation about his next move.

"What I have learned over the last 13 years is you have to do more than just focus on the 6 inches in front of our face," Neronha said in his speech after being sworn in. "You have to have the vision to look down the road, to see what's ahead, see the challenges that await and plan for them."

The inauguration was open to the public, but a 4 p.m. reception at the Providence Performing Arts Center for family, donors and key supporters was invitation only.

As of last Thursday, McKee's inaugural committee had raised $240,000 for the ceremony and public and private celebrations throughout the day.

Outside the convention center, one of the high-profile issues faced by McKee and many other Rhode Island elected officials made a presence: protesters held signs calling on the state to provide more help for homeless Rhode Islanders.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Gov. Dan McKee 2022 inauguration marks first full term in office