Who Is Dan McKee, Rhode Island's Next Governor?

WARWICK, RI — Following the announcement that Gov. Gina Raimondo is poised to leave the state to become President-Elect Joe Biden's Commerce Secretary, many Rhode Islanders are wondering: who is Lt. Gov. Dan McKee? The former Cumberland mayor is a relatively unknown figure in the state, established mainly as a strong supporter of small businesses.

"I want you to know who I am, what I believe," McKee said. "I know I have to earn your trust and confidence and I intend to do that."

McKee made his first public appearance as governor-to-be on Wednesday, at a joint news conference with Raimondo. Thursday morning, he addressed the media at a news conference in the banquet hall of Chelo's restaurant in Warwick.

Besides being an indoor location large enough to safely accommodate the media and members of McKee's team, the business is of particular significance to the lieutenant governor.

"The Chelo family and my dad went to high school together," he explained.

As he transitions to the role of governor, McKee said he and his administration will be laser-focused on the coronavirus pandemic. His team is working with Raimondo's to ensure a "seamless" transition, with the pandemic response team remaining intact.

"My message to Rhode Island today is: we're going to get through this together, and we'll come out stronger," McKee said.

When it comes to his approach to the pandemic, McKee said he plans to seek input from all of Rhode Island's 39 cities and towns. Because each one is unique, it's important to hear what each needs to be successful, he said.

The lieutenant governor plans to take a similar approach when it comes to schools.

"I think you let the local districts make the decision, and as the state you support it," he said.

That stance veers from Raimondo, who has been a vocal critic of districts that choose fully distanced learning, thereby "robbing students of their right to an in-person education."

"The ultimate goal is to get as many kids in school as possible," he said. "Hundreds of hours of learning are being lost ... we need a strategic approach."

Rhode Islanders shouldn't expect too many changes when it comes to state officials, McKee said, though he said his administration will "thoroughly review" Raimondo's picks.

"I don't expect a major turnover," McKee said.

While McKee may not be a well-known figure in the state, he said he has been preparing to take over the governorship for his entire time in office, should it become necessary. With rumors flying for over a month about Raimondo's potential departure, he and his staff have been running "dress rehearsals" to make sure they hit the ground running.

"Lieutenant governors become governors. And in that unlikely scenario, you need to be prepared," McKee said. "It's important that you have a lieutenant governor that's ready to become the governor."

Although McKee said he will be completely focused on steering through the pandemic for the first months of his tenure, he did comment on several other stances, summarized below.

• Legalization of marijuana: "I think it's time that happens," adding that he would prefer an entrepreneurial approach to state-run, like Massachusetts.
• How to approach a potential deficit: "You need to pin down a number first," then determine if cuts need to me made.
• Charter schools: "I'm not looking to expand charters, I'm looking to improve schools."

Related:

• Raimondo: Being RI Governor Was 'Greatest Honor Of My Life'
• Biden Formally Introduces RI Governor As Commerce Nominee
  
• Rhode Island Leaders Applaud Raimondo For Commerce Nomination