Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee is facing a primary challenge from Helena Foulkes, a former executive at CVS Health, in a race that has drawn attention due to controversy over the repair of the Washington Bridge. McKee narrowly won the Democratic primary in 2020, but now Foulkes—once dismissed by McKee—has emerged as a formidable opponent. If McKee loses, he would be the first U.S. governor to lose a primary since 2018 and the first Rhode Island governor to face such a defeat in over 30 years. Foulkes has outpaced McKee in campaign fundraising and has run extensive advertisements, capitalizing on a broader trend among Democratic voters this election year of being more open to replacing sitting officials. McKee, who is 75, also faces public frustration over the prolonged and expensive repair of the Washington Bridge, which connects Providence and East Providence and carries nearly 100,000 vehicles daily. The bridge was partially closed in 2023 after a "critical failure" was discovered, and repairs have taken longer than expected, with costs rising from initial estimates. McKee has defended his handling of the bridge, stating it will be completed by 2028 and will be finished before the replacement of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. Foulkes has criticized McKee’s leadership, arguing that the public feels the state government favors a powerful few. In response, McKee has accused Foulkes of being out of touch, citing her corporate background and her time at CVS, during which he claims she contributed to the opioid crisis. Foulkes denies these claims, pointing out that she reduced opioid distribution by 40% during her tenure as president of CVS’ Pharmacy division. She also notes that CVS agreed to pay $5 billion to settle opioid-related lawsuits in 2022. Foulkes has warned that McKee’s criticisms of her could drive companies like CVS out of the state, noting that the 50 largest companies in Rhode Island have urged McKee to stop criticizing the company. McKee has highlighted support from labor groups, though the Rhode Island Democratic Party and the state AFL-CIO did not officially endorse him. Meanwhile, Foulkes has gained support from Democrats in McKee’s hometown of Cumberland, where he once served as mayor. She has emphasized her status as an outsider in the race, a contrast to McKee’s long-standing political career. The winner of the September 9 primary is expected to be the strong favorite in the general election.