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Helena Foulkes wins Rhode Island Democratic primary

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2026-09-10 01:10 UTC → 2026-09-10 07:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Helena Foulkes, a former CVS Health executive, has defeated incumbent Governor Dan McKee in the Rhode Island Democratic primary, ending his bid for a second full term. This outcome marks the first time in over 30 years that a sitting Rhode Island governor has been defeated in a primary, and McKee becomes the first U.S. governor to lose a party primary since 2018. The campaign was heavily defined by the management of the Washington Bridge. Following the December 2023 closure of the westbound side due to structural flaws, the resulting traffic congestion and the projected 2028 completion date for repairs became a symbol of administration mismanagement. Foulkes characterized the administration as “dysfunctional,” while McKee defended the closure as a necessary safety measure that secured federal funding. Other significant campaign factors included McKee’s policy shifts regarding charter schools—specifically a three-year moratorium and a reduction in allowed operating charters—and a state investigation into the governor’s intervention in a multimillion-dollar state contract. McKee attempted to counter Foulkes’ momentum by labeling her an “out-of-touch corporate elite,” citing her professional history at CVS during the opioid crisis. However, Foulkes’ platform, which criticized the state government for being out of touch with citizens, ultimately secured her victory. Following the primary results, McKee conceded and expressed his intention to work with Foulkes to ensure her success in the upcoming general election.

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