Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee faces Democratic primary challenge

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee faces a significant Democratic primary challenge from Helena Foulkes, a former CVS executive, as he seeks a second full term. Recent polling indicates McKee is trailing Foulkes by 38 points.

Key campaign issues include McKee’s recent policy shifts regarding charter schools. Despite previously being an advocate for the sector, the governor signed a three-year moratorium on new charter schools and reduced the allowed number of operating charters from 35 to 28. Critics suggest this move was intended to secure support from teachers' unions.

Additionally, the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge, which connects Providence and East Providence, has become a central campaign topic following the discovery of structural flaws and the subsequent closure of the westbound lanes. The project's completion date has been delayed to November 2028. Other points of contention include a state investigation into the governor’s intervention in a multimillion-dollar state contract and Foulkes’ professional history at CVS during the opioid crisis.