Aaron Guckian, a self-described "compassionate conservative," won the Republican nomination for Rhode Island governor on September 16, 2026. He will face Helena Foulkes, a former CVS executive, in the November general election.
Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes defeated Governor Dan McKee in Rhode Island's Democratic gubernatorial primary on September 9, 2026, ending McKee's bid for a second full term. On September 10, democratic socialist state lawmaker David Morales defeated incumbent Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary for mayor.
Helena Foulkes, a former CVS executive, defeated incumbent Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee in the Democratic gubernatorial primary on September 9, 2026, with unofficial results showing 62% to 38%. McKee's loss made him the first incumbent governor in any state to lose a primary since 2018, amid criticism over a critical bridge closure in the state capital.
New Hampshire and Rhode Island held midterm primaries on September 8, 2026. New Hampshire's race to replace retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen was among contested races nationally affecting Senate control, while Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee faced a tough Democratic primary challenge.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee faces a tough primary rematch against Helena Foulkes, a former CVS executive, amid political turmoil surrounding the Washington Bridge crisis on September 5, 2026.
On 2026-08-30, the 2023 closure of a crucial Rhode Island bridge for safety reasons continued to damage Governor Dan McKee's standing in the Democratic primary. The resulting traffic nightmare became a defining issue in the race.