Democratic challenger Foulkes defeats incumbent Gov. McKee in Rhode Island primary
Incumbent Governor Dan McKee lost the Democratic primary to former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, marking the first time in eight years a Rhode Island governor has been defeated in a party primary.
Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes won the Democratic primary for Rhode Island governor, defeating incumbent Dan McKee. The result ends a streak in which no sitting governor had lost a party primary since 1994. Foulkes, who previously lost to McKee in 2022, emphasized her commitment to serving all residents in a victory speech in Providence. > "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.
McKee, who has served as governor since 2021, faced criticism over the delayed replacement of the Washington Bridge, a key crossing that was closed in 2023 for safety reasons. He defended the project timeline, stating the bridge will be completed by 2028 and noting that the work kept the public safe.
In his concession remarks, McKee pledged 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.
The primary also saw Providence Mayor Brett Smiley lose his bid for re-election to challenger Morales, who received support from U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna and several labor unions. In the Republican race, state trade association executive Aaron Guckian and former actor Elaine Pelino remain in a close contest for the nomination.
Foulkes, whose family includes former Connecticut senators Thomas and Chris Dodd, highlighted a reduction in opioid dispensing at CVS during her tenure as pharmacy division president, noting the company's later $5 billion settlement of opioid lawsuits.