Rhode Island governor projected to lose Democratic primary to former CVS executive

Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes emerged victorious in Rhode Island's Democratic primary, projecting to defeat incumbent Governor Dan McKee, according to The Associated Press projections. With approximately half of the votes tallied by 8:30 p.m. ET, Foulkes garnered 62.3% of the vote, while McKee secured 37.7%. The state of Rhode Island, known for its consistent Democratic leanings, has not elected a Republican statewide since 2006, giving Foulkes a significant advantage heading into November.

Contending with McKee for the Republican nomination are Aaron Guckian and Elaine Pelino. McKee, who previously served as lieutenant governor, assumed the governorship following Gina Raimondo's appointment as commerce secretary during the Biden administration. Elected to a full term in 2022, McKee has been in office for five years.

His first term has been marked by the closure of the Washington Bridge, which occurred in December 2023 after the discovery of broken anchor rods. Rebuilding the bridge, a vital connection between Providence's capital and its eastern suburbs, is projected to cost $427 million and is slated for completion in November 2028, exceeding the initial estimate of $368 million completion date in August 2023.

Foulkes, who has no prior public office experience, boasts political connections, as her uncle Chris Dodd and grandfather Thomas Dodd both served as senators. Endorsed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose mother was a college roommate of Foulkes', the candidate has made housing and affordability central themes of her campaign, drawing on her 25-year career in the healthcare industry.

Foulkes has proposed increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates and has advocated for a tax on millionaires, earmarking the funds for the construction of over 20,000 new homes by imposing a 3% tax on incomes exceeding $1 million.