Rhode Island Governor Loses Primary

The update

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is projected to lose the Democratic primary to former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, according to The Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ. With roughly half of votes counted, Foulkes led McKee 62.3% to 37.7%.

Why it matters

McKee’s defeat marks the first time a sitting governor has lost a primary in eight years nationwide. Rhode Island is a reliably Democratic state, and hasn’t elected a Republican statewide since 2006, making Foulkes the favorite to win in November. McKee’s first full term has been plagued by the closure of the Washington Bridge, which was shut down in December 2023 after broken anchor rods were discovered.

What to watch

Watch how Foulkes’ corporate background at CVS influences her approach to healthcare policy if elected. The bridge closure and rebuilding project, which is now estimated to cost $427 million and is scheduled to be completed in November 2028, may continue to be a key issue in the general election. This upset could signal broader anti-incumbent sentiment in the 2026 election cycle.

Sources

• cbsnews.com — confirming the primary results and context about McKee being the first governor to lose a primary in eight years
• thehill.com — confirming the margin of victory and details about the candidates' backgrounds