Helena Foulkes Beats Gov. McKee
The former CVS executive defeated Rhode Island’s incumbent governor in the Democratic primary.
September 9, 2026 · Updated Sep 9, 8:55pm ET
Seattle TimesFoulkes defeats Rhode Island’s Gov. McKee. He’s the first governor in 8 years to lose a primary
CBS NewsIncumbent Rhode Island governor projected to lose Democratic primary to former CVS executive
FOX NewsDem incumbent becomes first sitting governor to lose primary since 2018
CNNHelena Foulkes will defeat Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, CNN projects, marking a rare incumbent primary loss
ABC NewsRhode Island Gov. Dan McKee faces tough challenge from Helena Foulkes in Democratic primary
Epoch TimesRhode Island Gov. McKee Loses Democratic Nomination to Helena Foulkes
The GuardianRhode Island’s Democratic governor loses primary amid anger over bridge
NBC NewsRhode Island Gov. Dan McKee loses Democratic primary to businesswoman Helena Foulkes
New York PostRhode Island’s Dan McKee becomes first elected governor to lose primary since 2014
MS NOWRhode Island governor loses primary amid backlash over stalled bridge project
Wall Street JournalRhode Island’s Governor Is Trounced in Democratic Primary
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Left · 4
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Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
Former CVSCVS Healthcompany executive Helena Foulkes
Helena FoulkesAmerican businessperson won Rhode Island’s Democratic primary for governor Wednesday, defeating incumbent Gov. Dan McKee
Daniel McKeeAmerican politician 62.3% to 37.7% with roughly half the vote counted around 8:30 p.m. ET. The result makes McKee the first sitting governor in any state to lose a party primary since 2018 and ends his bid for a second full term. Foulkes’ campaign capitalized on voter frustration over the 2023 closure of the westbound lanes of Providence’s Washington Bridge, a commuter route whose shutdown caused prolonged traffic disruption.
