Foulkes Challenges McKee For Rhode Island Governor

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee faces challenger Helena Buonanno Foulkes in the Democratic primary.

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."