AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Rhode Island’s state primary

The Democratic primary election in Rhode Island, scheduled for Wednesday, September 2, 2026, promises to be a closely contested race. Governor Dan McKee, who was elected in 2022 after taking over from Gina Raimondo, faces a significant challenge from Helena Buonanno Foulkes, a former CVS executive. McKee's incumbency is threatened as he could become the first elected governor in Rhode Island since 2014 to lose renomination, with the last instance being in 1994.

Foulkes, who comes from a political family—her uncle is former Democratic Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut—placed second in the 2022 Democratic primary.

A key issue in the campaign is the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge, a vital transportation link between Providence and East Providence. McKee closed the westernbound bridge in December 2023 following structural flaws discovered by authorities, leading to its demolition and replacement. Initial reopening estimates were made for this year, but these have been pushed back to November 2028. The bridge closure has become a focal point in the political discourse.

Campaign advertisements have also spotlighted a 2024 investigation by the state Attorney General Peter Neronha and the state police, which concluded that McKee had personally intervened in the awarding of a multimillion-dollar state contract. However, the investigation found no violation of bribery or campaign finance laws. Despite this, Neronha endorsed Foulkes in March, aligning his support with her campaign.

Foulkes' campaign has outpaced McKee's in terms of fundraising and spending, with her efforts nearly doubling McKee's totals according to state campaign finance records. Independent polling from the University of New Hampshire indicates that Foulkes has maintained a lead over McKee throughout the campaign. However, many voters remain undecided, reflecting the contentious nature of the race.