Political Guyentist
← 2026-09-1121brief

[UPDATE] Helena Foulkes beats Dan McKee in Rhode Island primary, first governor primary loss since 2018

First Rhode Island governor to lose a primary since 1994

Helena Foulkes (D-RI) beat Dan McKee (Gov-D Rhode Island) in the Democratic primary, while David Morales (St Rep-D Rhode Island), 27, beat Mayor Brett Smiley roughly 54% to 46% in Providence.

PREVIOUSLY

On Sept. 10, McKee was fighting to survive his primary as turnout ran ahead of 2022.

The rest of primary night:

  • Thirteen members of Congress lost renomination this cycle: seven Democrats and six Republicans, including two GOP senators.
  • At least 16 more lost primaries running for Senate or statewide office: nine Republicans and seven Democrats.
  • Morales faces 77-year-old David Talan (R-RI) in November in Providence, which Kamala Harris carried by 51 points in 2024.