Broken bridge and commuter fury combine to defeat Rhode Island’s governor — at the hands of the CVS exec he vanquished 4 years ago
Helena Foulkes defeated Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee in the state’s Democratic primary Wednesday, making him the first governor in any U.S. state to lose a party primary since 2018. McKee’s defeat ends his bid for a second full term and marks the first time in more than 30 years that a sitting Rhode Island […]
In a surprising turn of events, Helena Foulkes emerged victorious in Rhode Island's Democratic primary for governor, defeating incumbent Dan McKee. The win marks the first time since 2018 that a U.S. state governor has lost their party primary. Foulkes, a former senior executive at CVS and Hudson's Bay, capitalized on public discontent over the bridge project she championed, highlighting the challenges faced in replacing the Washington Bridge.
The bridge's closure in 2023, due to safety concerns, led to significant traffic disruptions. Foulkes emphasized that the new governor will be one for all Rhode Islanders, promising to address the state's needs collectively. McKee, who conceded in Providence, acknowledged the work done together but stressed the importance of working with Foulkes for a smooth transition.
In a recent political shift, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley also lost his reelection bid to 27-year-old David Morales, a Democratic socialist supported by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and labor unions.
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