Incumbent Gov. Dan McKee faces strong primary challenge from former CVS executive Helena Foulkes
Governor Dan McKee is confronting a well-funded primary contest against former CVS Health executive Helena Foulkes, with the race focusing on issues such as a delayed bridge repair project and accusations over past corporate practices.
Governor Dan McKee, 75, is seeking re-election in Rhode Island’s Democratic primary on Sept. 9, but faces a vigorous challenge from 62-year-old Helena Foulkes, a former CVS Health executive who has out-raised the incumbent and launched a series of television ads. The contest comes amid growing voter willingness to replace incumbents and criticism of McKee’s handling of the Washington Bridge closure, which has extended beyond the original timeline and increased project costs.
Foulkes argues that state government appears to serve a “powerful few” and that many residents are concerned about job security, a sentiment she expressed in an interview. > “I think that what I’ve really learned in the last four years, in a deeper way, is how much people feel like state government just works with a powerful few,” she said.
The bridge, which carries Interstate 195 over the Seekonk River, was partially closed in 2023 after officials identified a critical failure. While McKee says the repairs will be completed by 2028 and points to comparable projects in Maryland as a benchmark, political scientist Adam Myers notes that infrastructure failures often become focal points for voter blame.
McKee has criticized Foulkes for her corporate background, suggesting she prioritizes profit over public interest. > “Who’s the option here? It’s a corporate person that the Democrats can’t stand,” he said.
Foulkes, whose family includes former Connecticut senators Thomas and Chris Dodd, counters that CVS reduced opioid dispensing by 40% while she led its pharmacy division, and she disputes the governor’s accusations. She also warned that McKee’s attacks could alienate thousands of CVS employees in the state. > “The 50 largest companies’ business leaders in this state wrote a letter to you, asking you to stop criticizing CVS,” she said during an August debate.
Both candidates have secured endorsements from various labor groups, though the state Democratic Party and the AFL-CIO have withheld formal backing. The primary winner is expected to become the favorite in the November general election.