Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee faces rematch with Helena Foulkes amid turmoil over Washington Bridge

Providence, R.I. (AP) — Four years after winning his Democratic primary with a narrow margin, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee now faces a rematch against Helena Foulkes. Foulkes, a former executive at CVS Health, has outspent McKee and bombarded the airwaves with campaign ads. Unlike the previous election, Democratic voters are increasingly targeting incumbents.

McKee, 75, must contend with ongoing anger over the delay in repairing a critical bridge in Providence, Washington Bridge. The bridge, which carries Interstate 195 and nearly 100,000 vehicles daily, has been partially closed since 2023 due to a "critical failure." Foulkes accuses McKee of prioritizing corporate profits over public safety, citing her time at CVS, where she allegedly helped reduce opioid dispersal by 40%.

McKee denies the allegations and warns that his attacks on Foulkes have angered Woonsocket employees at CVS. The winner of the September 9 primary will likely face a smooth path to the general election, with the bridge saga casting a long shadow over McKee's gubernatorial term.