Rhode Island voters cast ballots Wednesday in the Democratic primary for governor, where incumbent Gov. Dan McKee faces a formidable challenge from Helena Foulkes, a former CVS executive. New polling shows Foulkes leading by double digits, with the latest Emerson College survey placing her ahead of McKee by 15 points in a rematch of the 2022 primary.
The race centers on McKee’s handling of the Washington Bridge closure, a critical infrastructure project that has drawn widespread criticism. The bridge, which carries 100,000 vehicles daily between Providence and East Providence, was shut down in December 2023 after structural flaws were discovered. State officials initially projected a 2024 reopening but now estimate the project will not be completed until November 2028, with costs ballooning from $368 million to $427 million.
Foulkes has seized on the bridge issue, arguing that McKee’s administration has failed to deliver for Rhode Islanders. “People feel like state government just works with a powerful few,” she said. “They don’t think it’s working for them.” McKee, in turn, has framed Foulkes as an out-of-touch corporate figure, criticizing her tenure at CVS regarding the opioid crisis.
Key Background: A Rematch with High Stakes
McKee first became governor in March 2021 after then-Gov. Gina Raimondo resigned to join President Biden’s cabinet. He narrowly won the 2022 primary against Foulkes, securing 32.8% of the vote to her 29.9%, before winning the general election in the solidly Democratic state. If McKee loses Wednesday’s primary, he would become the first elected sitting governor to lose renomination since 2014.
Polling and Public Sentiment
Recent surveys reflect McKee’s struggles. A University of New Hampshire poll placed Foulkes at 56% support to McKee’s 18%, with no poll in the cycle showing McKee above 30%. Morning Consult ranks McKee as the third least popular governor in the U.S., further complicating his reelection bid.
Campaign Dynamics and Policy Differences
Foulkes, who has never held elected office but boasts political ties—including an endorsement from Nancy Pelosi—has campaigned on housing affordability and economic issues, framing her experience in corporate leadership as a strength. McKee, meanwhile, has emphasized his administration’s broader achievements while defending his bridge reconstruction plan.
The Washington Bridge: A Defining Issue
The bridge’s closure has become a symbol of broader dissatisfaction with McKee’s leadership. Maureen Moakley, a professor emeritus at the University of Rhode Island, noted, “He is unpopular. He was doomed from Day One because of the bridge… the attitude of the voters I think is we need some change, we need some new people.”
The project’s delays and cost overruns have dominated debate, with both candidates trading accusations over the bidding process and management of the reconstruction. Foulkes has accused McKee of mismanagement, while McKee has defended the state’s efforts, pointing to the complexity of the project.
What’s Next
Primary results are expected late Wednesday. A McKee loss would mark a historic upset in Rhode Island politics, while a Foulkes victory would signal a shift in the state’s Democratic establishment. Regardless of the outcome, the race underscores the growing influence of infrastructure and affordability as defining issues in state elections.