Incumbent Rhode Island Governor Projected to Lose Democratic Primary to Former CVS Executive

September 9, 2026 / 8:35 PM EDT / CBS News

Incumbent Rhode Island Governor Projected to Lose Democratic Primary to Former CVS Executive

TL;DR

  • Helena Foulkes defeated Governor Dan McKee in the Rhode Island Democratic primary.
  • Foulkes, a former CVS executive, is projected to be the favorite in the November general election.
  • Governor McKee's term was marked by the closure and costly, delayed reconstruction of the Washington Bridge.
  • Foulkes campaigned on issues of housing and affordability, including proposals for Medicaid reimbursement rate increases and a tax on millionaires for housing development.
  • McKee is the first sitting governor in eight years to lose a primary.
  • Foulkes has political ties through her family and endorsements, including from Nancy Pelosi.