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Rhode Island’s Democratic governor loses primary amid anger over bridge
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee lost the Democratic primary to Helena Foulkes, marking the first time in nearly a decade that a sitting governor lost a primary, largely due to public frustration over his handling of the Washington bridge repairs.
- Foulkes, a former CVS executive, criticized McKee for the prolonged closure and delayed reconstruction of the critical bridge, which is now expected to reopen in November 2028 instead of this year.
- McKee conceded the race and pledged to support Foulkes in the November general election, emphasizing the need for unity despite the difficult loss.
- The primary victory positions Foulkes strongly for the general election, as Rhode Island is considered a reliably Democratic state.
- In a separate upset, 27-year-old Democratic socialist David Morales defeated incumbent Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, with support from progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and labor unions.
