Incumbent Rhode Island governor projected to lose Democratic primary to former CVS executive - CBS News
Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes defeated incumbent Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee in the Democratic primary. Foulkes, who has never held public office, is now the favorite to win the general election in the reliably Democratic state.
Why it matters
This result marks a rare instance of a sitting governor losing a primary, potentially signaling voter dissatisfaction with infrastructure management like the Washington Bridge project.
Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes defeated Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee in the Democratic primary on Wednesday night, The Associated Press projects. With roughly half of all votes counted at around 8:30 p.m. ET, Foulkes led McKee 62.3% to 37.7%.Rhode Island is a reliably Democratic state, and hasn't elected a Republican statewide since 2006, making Foulkes the favorite to win in November. Aaron Guckian and Elaine Pelino are facing off for the Republican nomination.McKee is the first sitting governor anywhere in the country to lose a primary in eight years. McKee, previously the lieutenant governor, was elevated to the top job after former Gov. Gina Raimondo became commerce secretary during the Biden administration.
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