Polls have closed in Rhode Island's primary elections, where Democratic Governor Dan McKee is vying for renomination against Helena Buonanno Foulkes, a former CVS executive. McKee, who first assumed office in March 2021, is aiming to avoid becoming the first elected governor in 12 years to lose a bid for re-nomination.
This primary marks a rematch between McKee and Foulkes, who narrowly lost to him in the 2022 Democratic primary. Campaign finance records indicate Foulkes has outspent McKee by a nearly two-to-one margin in this election cycle.
A significant challenge for McKee has been his administration's handling of the Washington Bridge reconstruction. The bridge, a vital artery connecting Providence and East Providence, was closed in December 2023 due to critical structural flaws. Originally projected to reopen this year, the completion date has been pushed back to November 2028. The bridge's reconstruction has become a central issue in the gubernatorial race, with both candidates debating the bidding process and the pace of the work.
Beyond infrastructure, Rhode Islanders have expressed concerns over high electricity rates and a shortage of affordable housing, issues that have added to anti-incumbent sentiment. McKee has criticized Foulkes, characterizing her as an out-of-touch executive attempting to purchase an election victory.
The winner of the Democratic primary is expected to be the favorite in the general election. The Republican nomination is contested between Aaron Guckian, who has the state GOP's endorsement, and first-time candidate Elaine Pelino.
In other races, veteran Democratic Senator Jack Reed faces long-shot challengers in his primary. Democratic Representative Gabe Amo is running unopposed for renomination in the 1st Congressional District, while entrepreneur Kellie Keenan is the presumptive GOP nominee. In the 2nd Congressional District, Democratic Representative Seth Magaziner is the presumptive nominee, facing Republican primary contenders Victory Mellor and Stephen Skoly.