Why Rhode Island may oust a sitting governor over a bridge
If Gov. Dan McKee becomes the first sitting U.S. governor to lose a primary in eight years, it won’t be to the insurgent left or a youthful challenger.
In Rhode Island, Governor Dan McKee faces the possibility of losing his primary election to challenger Helena Foulkes, whose lead has widened to 20 points. This marks the first time a sitting U.S. governor has lost a primary in eight years, reflecting a national anti-incumbent trend exacerbated by post-pandemic economic frustrations.
The pivotal issue in this race is the Washington Bridge, which has been plagued by traffic issues since 2023, leading to voter dissatisfaction. Despite some improvements, commuters remain unhappy with the bridge's delays and related economic hardships. Foulkes, a former CVS executive with a political lineage, proposes funding 20,000 new housing units through a millionaire's tax, emphasizing the urgency of addressing people's hardships.
McKee, a relatively mainstream Democrat, counters by highlighting his record on jobs, SNAP, wind energy, education, hospitals, and housing. The race has drawn attention from outside sources, with anti-establishment figures influencing the political landscape. McKee's campaign has struggled with union defections and a lack of endorsements, while Foulkes has amassed more campaign funds. The outcome remains uncertain, with union support potentially crucial for McKee's comeback.
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