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Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee loses Democratic primary to businesswoman Helena Foulkes
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee lost the Democratic primary to former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, marking the first gubernatorial primary defeat this year and the first in eight years.
- McKee faced a significant spending disadvantage, with Foulkes outspending him on ads by a 3-to-1 margin, and widespread voter discontent, particularly over his handling of the prolonged Washington Bridge closure.
- The bridge closure, initiated due to major structural problems, remains under construction three years later, with 63% of likely voters disapproving of McKee’s management of the issue according to an Emerson College poll.
- Foulkes campaigned on improving the state’s infrastructure, economy, and housing market, leveraging her political connections, including support from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
- Foulkes is now the strong favorite in the general election, as Rhode Island is a solidly Democratic state that has not elected a Republican governor since 2010.
