Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee faces Democratic primary rematch

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee faces a significant Democratic primary challenge from Helena Buonanno Foulkes, a former CVS executive. The rematch follows a close 2022 primary where McKee secured a narrow victory.

A central issue in the campaign is the management of the Washington Bridge, which connects Providence and East Providence. The westbound side was closed in December 2023 due to critical structural flaws, and repairs are now expected to last until November 2028. Foulkes has utilized the bridge controversy and McKee’s handling of state contracts to bolster her campaign, which has significantly outpaced the incumbent in fundraising.

If defeated, McKee would become the first U.S. governor to lose a Democratic primary since 2018 and the first in Rhode Island since 1994. Foulkes has also criticized the administration's oversight, while McKee has focused his campaign on Foulkes’ previous corporate role at CVS and its connection to the opioid crisis.