Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee is facing a challenge from Helena Foulkes in the upcoming Democratic primary. McKee is trying to avoid becoming the first sitting governor in any U.S. state to lose a primary election since 2018. He previously defeated Foulkes in a competitive Democratic primary four years ago, securing his first full term as governor. Now, Foulkes is running again, criticizing McKee’s administration for its handling of a critical bridge replacement project in the state capital. The bridge was closed in 2023 due to safety concerns, and Foulkes argues that McKee’s government is not working effectively for most Rhode Islanders. She has said, “People feel like state government just works with a powerful few,” and “They don’t think it’s working for them.” In response, McKee has criticized Foulkes, calling her an “out-of-touch elite” who ignored the opioid crisis during her time as a senior executive at CVS Health. He emphasized his record of working for the people and stated that the bridge construction will be completed by 2028. McKee also referenced the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, noting that the Washington Bridge in Rhode Island will be completed before that project. Foulkes, who spent 25 years at CVS before becoming CEO of Hudson’s Bay Company, argues that she helped reduce opioid distribution by 40% during her time at the company. In 2022, CVS agreed to pay $5 billion to settle lawsuits over its role in the opioid crisis, though it did not admit fault. In the Republican primary, Aaron Guckian and Elaine Pelino are competing for the nomination. Guckian, a state trade association executive, previously won the lieutenant governor nomination in 2022 with about 68% of the vote. The state Republican Party has endorsed him. Pelino is a former actor and first-time candidate. Guckian’s experience and previous success in state politics give him an advantage in the race. Rhode Island’s primary elections are being held on a Wednesday this year, a change from the traditional Tuesday date. This shift is part of a broader effort to align with federal elections and reduce voter confusion. Only four states hold their primary elections in September: Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Delaware. Delaware has the latest primary date this year, on September 15. The move to a Wednesday in Rhode Island is expected to impact voter turnout and campaign strategies as candidates adjust to the new schedule.