RI 2026 Election Voter Guide: Races, Poll Times, How To Vote

Rhode Island voters will select a new governor and attorney general this election.

Challenger Helena Buonanno Foulkes defeated incumbent Gov. Dan McKee in the Democratic primary, setting up a tilt with Republican Aaron Guckian and three Independent candidates: Ken Block, Jasjit Gotra and Christopher Reynolds.

Guckian narrowly claimed the GOP nomination in a tight primary race with Elaine Pelino.

Guckian, who most recently served as the executive director of the Rhode Island Dental Association, said he is running for governor because he believes "Rhode Island can work smarter."

"We can make this state more affordable, make government more accountable and create a place where people don't have to leave Rhode Island to find opportunity," Guckian said.

"My Rhode Island Works Smarter initiative would bring frontline state employees directly into the process of finding waste, fixing broken systems and improving services," he said. "I want a 24/7 anonymous idea portal so the people who actually do the work can tell us what isn't working. When we save taxpayer money, those savings should help reduce the burden on Rhode Islanders."

Block, a software engineer and the owner of Simpatico Software Systems, said he is running for governor because the state has "many deep-rooted problems that go back decades."

"No governor has tackled them," Block said. "None of this year's gubernatorial candidates talked about them. I realized that this year, with the outrage regarding the Washington Bridge failure and a national unhappiness with the 2 major political parties, I had a unique opportunity to practice my flavor of politics and win."

Gotra, an entrepreneur and business owner, said he is "running to bring practical problem-solving, accountability, and a commitment to service into government."

"I want our children to have reasons to build their futures here," Gotra said.

Foulkes failed to respond to questions from Patch and Reynolds could not be reached for comment.

In the attorney general race, Republican Alan Gordon will face off against Democrat Kim Ahern.

Gordon, an ecclesiastical lawyer, said he is running for attorney general to "restore its intended function of serving neutrally and without political favoritism. I will also root out and bring to justice the corruption cells plaguing the good people of RI."

"My opponent has interest conflicts, but I am beholden to no special interests," Gordon said. "An AG has to go to Court, but my opponent has to recuse from abortion cases, cannabis cases, and other important issues because of interest conflicts, ones from which I've steered clear."

Ahern failed to respond to questions from Patch.

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.

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.