Rhode Island Democrats unseat incumbents in primary elections

In a significant shift for Rhode Island politics, Helena Foulkes has defeated incumbent Governor Dan McKee in the Democratic primary. Foulkes, a former CVS executive, becomes the first sitting governor in the United States to lose a party primary since 2018. Her victory is largely attributed to voter dissatisfaction regarding the administration’s handling of the Washington Bridge, a critical infrastructure link that was closed in 2023 due to safety concerns and has faced significant repair delays.

Simultaneously, democratic socialist David Morales defeated incumbent Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in the city’s Democratic primary. Morales, who is endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, centered his campaign on housing affordability and rent stabilization. His victory marks a notable win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party within the state.