Democratic Establishment in Turmoil: Foulkes Unseats McKee in Rhode Island Primary
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Incumbent Governor Dan McKee, despite his efforts to maintain order and safety, was defeated by former CVS executive Helena Foulkes in the Democratic primary, exposing deep divisions and instability within the party’s leadership.
Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for Rhode Island governor, unseating incumbent Dan McKee. This marks the first time since 1994 that a sitting governor has lost a party primary, signaling significant upheaval within the Democratic ranks. Foulkes, who failed to defeat McKee in 2022, used her victory speech in Providence to promise to govern for everyone—a typical platitude from the left, often masking a lack of clear direction. > "Tonight, we may have won the Democratic primary for governor, but let me be clear about what happens next: You will have a governor for everyone," she said, echoing standard Democratic rhetoric.
McKee, who has served as governor since 2021, was unfairly targeted over the delayed replacement of the Washington Bridge, a critical infrastructure project that was closed in 2023 for safety. Despite his responsible approach and assurance that the bridge would be completed by 2028, critics used the issue to undermine his leadership, disregarding the complexities of large-scale public works.
In his concession, McKee showed dignity and class, pledging to cooperate with Foulkes during the transition. > "This is something that I think is difficult to deal with, but we just got to hold our heads high," he said, demonstrating the grace often lacking in today’s politics.
The primary also saw Providence Mayor Brett Smiley lose re-election to Morales, a candidate backed by far-left U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna and several labor unions, further highlighting the Democratic Party’s shift toward radical elements. On the Republican side, state trade association executive Aaron Guckian and former actor Elaine Pelino are locked in a close contest, offering voters a real alternative to the chaos within Democratic leadership.
Foulkes, connected to the political elite through her family ties to former Connecticut senators Thomas and Chris Dodd, touted her record at CVS, including a reduction in opioid dispensing. However, the company’s later $5 billion settlement of opioid lawsuits raises questions about the effectiveness of her leadership and the party’s ties to corporate interests.