Politics

Rhode Island governor faces primary rematch against Helena Foulkes amid bridge delays

Challenger Helena Foulkes outraises Dan McKee as infrastructure disputes and corporate scrutiny define the campaign.

Updated Sep 5, 2026 · 11:19 UTC2 reports

The short version

Helena Foulkes has outraised incumbent Governor Dan McKee ahead of the Rhode Island Democratic primary.[ABC News]
The race has centered on public anger over the 2023 closure of the Washington Bridge following a critical failure.[Associated Press]
McKee contends bridge construction will conclude by 2028 and has targeted Foulkes' executive tenure at CVS.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Neither the Rhode Island Democratic Party nor the state AFL-CIO has issued an endorsement in the primary contest.[ABC News]

Helena Foulkes has raised more campaign funds than incumbent Governor Dan McKee in the Democratic primary.[ABC News · Associated Press]
McKee ordered the closure of the Washington Bridge's westbound lanes in 2023 after a critical failure was detected.[ABC News · Associated Press]
In 2022, CVS reached a $5 billion nationwide settlement resolving opioid-related lawsuits without conceding wrongdoing.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Neither the Rhode Island Democratic Party nor the state AFL-CIO made an endorsement in the primary contest.[ABC News]

Governor McKee maintains that bridge construction will finish by 2028 despite ongoing repair delays and cost increases.[ABC News · Associated Press]
McKee alleges Foulkes fueled the opioid epidemic while at CVS, an accusation Foulkes denies, countering that CVS decreased opioid dispersal by 40% under her leadership.[ABC News · Associated Press]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.