Foulkes challenges McKee for Democratic nod, addresses state leadership, costs and Trump
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Former Democratic candidate for Rhode Island Governor Helena Foulkes has officially announced a new bid for the office, setting up a rematch with incumbent Governor Dan McKee.
Foulkes made the announcement at an event at Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence Tuesday afternoon.
“While I hear so much real frustration that our state leadership is not meeting the moment, I am inspired by my fellow Rhode Islanders’ love of our state, their concern for one another and their relentless hope that we can build a better future,” said Foulkes in a statement.
She will challenge Governor McKee, a fellow Democrat, for the office in the September, 2026 Democratic primary.
“Rhode Islanders are getting squeezed, both from the incompetence of our state government and the failure to address a spiraling affordability crisis that includes the costs of housing, groceries and utilities…” said Foulkes.
Foulkes also addressed the situation with the condition of the Washington Bridge, which is currently being demolished in preparation for a full rebuild.
“It’s an in-your-face example of what happens when government just doesn’t work for people…if we can’t even fix a critical bridge in the middle of our biggest city, what else do you think our government is failing to do?” said Foulkes.
She also spoke about current budget management in the state, saying current leadership is relying too much on “short-term fixes.”
“…last session, our leaders did what Rhode Island has done for years. Tape together a budget, add some new fees and raise taxes, throw in an accounting gimmick or two, make some insiders and lobbyists happy. Fail to be accountable. Fail to plan,” said Foulkes.
Monday’s announcement that toy giant Hasbro will be leaving Pawtucket for Boston was also discussed by Foulkes in her campaign kick-off.
“To the hundreds of Rhode Islanders impacted by yesterday’s news that the iconic local company Hasbro is leaving for Massachusetts: I know this is a moment of extreme stress for you and your family,” said Foulkes.
“That’s who we should be focused on right now. I’ll be a governor who fights day after day to protect workers’ jobs. And to bring more jobs here.”
Foulkes turned her attention from the Ocean State to the Nation’s Capital, on what her statement calls “Defending Rhode Islanders from President Trump.”
“So here is my message to Donald Trump: we will not tolerate your reckless agenda. We will not abide by your failed policies. And we will fight against your illegal and irresponsible overreach that is tearing apart our nation, bankrupting our government and destroying our children’s future,” said Foulkes.
“Rhode Island needs to defend itself, and I’m ready to lead that fight.”
Foulkes’ first bid against McKee fell just short in 2021’s primary.
According to July fundraising disclosures, Foulkes had brought in significantly more campaign cash than McKee at that time.
Foulkes was President of CVS as part of her 25 years with the company before stepping into the Rhode Island political ring.
Governor McKee’s campaign released a statement Monday ahead of Foulkes’ announcement, saying his now official opponent “fueled and profited from the opioid crisis.”
The statement reads in part:
“Under Helena Foulkes’ leadership, CVS Pharmacy knowingly disregarded concerns around illegal opioid sales and refused to take preventative measures – maximizing profits at the expense of Rhode Islanders’ health and safety.
During that time, the company doubled down on staffing policies prioritizing speed over safety and accepted $173 million in secret payments from opioid manufacturers to not restrict the flow of pills.”
