YouTube video by Kim Ahern For Rhode Island AG

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee is facing a significant challenge from Helena Foulkes in the Democratic primary, with both candidates vying for the party nomination. McKee, who previously won his first full term in 2022, is now under scrutiny over the delayed replacement of the Washington Bridge, which was closed in 2023 due to safety concerns. Foulkes has criticized his administration for inefficiency, pointing to the bridge project's cost and timeline as evidence of mismanagement. In response, McKee has accused Foulkes of being out of touch, highlighting her past inaction on the opioid crisis during her tenure at CVS. The primary election, scheduled for Wednesday, marks a rare occurrence as incumbent governors rarely lose party primaries. The last instance in Rhode Island was in 1994, when Bruce Sundlun lost to Myrth York. Meanwhile, the Republican primary features Aaron Guckian and Elaine Pelino, with Guckian receiving the party endorsement. The election date was moved to Wednesday to avoid conflict with Labor Day, making Rhode Island one of only four states holding primaries in September. The outcome of the primary will determine the next governor of Rhode Island and could have broader implications for the Democratic Party's strategy in upcoming elections.

A political action committee is launching an advertising campaign against Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, marking the first time a Democratic governor has been targeted by the group. The Invest in Tomorrow Coalition will invest $500,000 to air advertisements opposing McKee before the September 9th Democratic primary. These ads are being managed through the state-level