PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island lawmakers are beginning the process to confirm the state’s next lieutenant governor.

The state Senate’s Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing Thursday to consider the nomination of Providence City Council President Sabina Matos, who would become the first person of color to hold the post if approved by the full senate.

Democratic Gov. Daniel McKee says he picked Matos for the role he vacated in order to become governor because the 47-year-old shares his vision of supporting local communities and small businesses.

Matos, who is Afro-Latina, was first elected to the city council in 2010 and was voted president in 2019.