Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee Loses Democratic Primary to Helena Foulkes

<p>Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee lost his Democratic primary on September 9, 2026, to businesswoman Helena Foulkes, marking the first time a sitting governor has been denied their party's nomination since 2018.</p><p>Foulkes, a former CVS executive and current Costco board member, defeated McKee in a rematch of their closely contested 2022 Democratic primary, where McKee won by a narrow margin.</p><p>McKee's loss adds to a growing list of incumbents ousted during the 2026 primary season. He first became governor in 2021 after Governor Gina Raimondo left to serve as Commerce Secretary in the Biden administration. McKee won his first full term in 2022 after a competitive primary that included Foulkes.</p><p>The last sitting governor to lose their party's nomination was Kansas Republican Governor Jeff Colyer, who lost the 2018 GOP primary to Kris Kobach by fewer than 400 votes.</p><p>Foulkes has extensive experience in the private sector, having served as a senior executive at CVS Health and as CEO of Hudson's Bay Company. This campaign marks her second attempt for elected office after finishing second to McKee in the 2022 primary.</p><p>The rematch focused on the candidates' differing records and leadership styles. Foulkes criticized McKee's management of state government, particularly regarding the Washington Bridge, which was closed due to structural concerns in December 2023 and is currently under reconstruction. McKee defended his administration's performance and questioned Foulkes' corporate background, particularly her leadership at CVS amid controversies related to prescription opioids.</p><p>Foulkes will proceed to the November general election, where she is favored against the winner of the Republican primary between Aaron Guckian and Elaine Pelino. Independent candidates Ken Block, Jasjit "Jay" Gotra, and Christopher "CD" Reynolds will also participate in the general election, according to The Rhode Island Current.</p>