A clash for the Democratic nomination for the Ocean State's governor headlines a list of party clashes as voters head to the polls for the Rhode Island 2026 state primary election Tuesday.
Challenger Helena Buonanno Foulkes is taking on incumbent Dan McKee for a spot on the November ballot.
Foulkes worked for CVS Pharmacy for 25 years and was president from 2014 to 2018, according to Ballotpedia.
"She also served as CEO of Hudson's Bay Company from 2018 to 2020 and as executive chair of Follett Higher Education as of 2023," Ballotpedia said. "As of 2026, Foulkes was the executive chair of Follett Higher Education."
"As governor, Helena will fight back against Donald Trump's attacks on our state, create more good-paying jobs and make living in Rhode Island more affordable for every single Rhode Islander," Foulkes campaign website said.
McKee previously worked for his family's business, McKee Brothers Oil Corp., according to Ballotpedia, and also owned and operated a health and fitness business.
"McKee took office as Rhode Island's 76th governor on March 2, 2021, after (Gov. Gina) Raimondo was confirmed to serve as the U.S. secretary of commerce in Joe Biden's administration," Ballotpedia said, and was elected to a full term in 2022, defeating Republican Ashley Kalus.
"Under his leadership, Rhode Island saw fewer school absences, reduced overdose deaths, and strong economic growth," McKee's website said, adding that he is "fighting to protect Rhode Island from Washington's radical agenda, while securing critical resources to improve our state's infrastructure, and his RI2030 Plan shows Rhode Island's best chapter is yet to come."
The winner will face the victor in the Republican primary, either Aaron Guckian or Elaine Pelino.
Guckian "previously worked as a vice president at Bank Newport, an officer with The Washington Trust Company, and a special assistant to former Governor Donald Carcieri," Ballotpedia said. "He serves as a coach for the East Greenwich Basketball Association and the East Greenwich Soccer Association."
Guckian's campaign website touts his "deep roots in East Greenwich."
"I'm running for Governor because our state has too many taxes, too many fees, and not enough opportunity for families who are working harder than ever," Guckian said on his website.
Pelino says on her campaign website she is not a career politician.
What she is, according to her LinkedIn page, is a former producer, writer and actor, as well as a standup comedian, among other things.
Pelino's Facebook page says she is also the former owner, publisher and editor-in-chief of Tigress Magazine, a free publication "for the Fierce, One-of-a-Kind Woman."
Pelino's bio on the Tigress site notes that she is a a "divorced, independent woman" who was "Miss Houston World and an NFL cheerleader."
There are four candidates in the Democratic primary for Rhode Island Attorney General. Whoever emerges from the field of Kim Ahern, Keith Hoffmann, Jason Knight and Joseph Solomon Jr. will face Republican Alan Gordon, who is running unopposed in the GOP primary.
How To Vote
Polling locations are open statewide from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, with the exception of New Shoreham, which opens at 9 a.m.
Those in line at their polling location by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Residents can find their polling location here.
In Rhode Island, if you are affiliated with a specific political party, you may only vote in that party's primary. Unaffiliated, or independent, voters can vote in any party primary.
Rhode Island offers no-excuse, vote-by-mail for all state and federal elections. All mail ballots must be received by the State Board of Elections at 2000 Plainfield Pike Cranston by 8 p.m. the night of the election. If you cannot mail the ballot back in time, utilize the drop box for their specific town or the boxes at the Board of Elections and Secretary of State's office. There are also boxes in every polling location.
Track the status of your mail ballot with ballottrax.
Check back with your Patch throughout Election Night for updates, results and reactions.
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