Mayor Elorza announces endorsement of governor candidate Helena Bounanno Foulkes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Democratic candidate for governor Helena Buonanno Foulkes received a significant boost Thursday ahead of the upcoming Democratic primary for governor in September.

Helena Foulkes received a key endorsement from Mayor Jorge Elorza. The mayor backed the Rhode Island businesswoman and said she is the person to overturn generations of educational failures.

“Officially, publicly, and formally endorse Helena Buonanno Foulkes to be the next governor of the state of Rhode Island,” Elorza said at the event.

Foulkes received that key backing, as well as from other state leaders, including Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin, state Rep. Joe Almeida, and Congressman Patrick Kennedy.

“I’m in this race because I want to make a big difference for the people of Rhode Island,” Foulkes said.

The Rhode Island businesswoman and executive entered the political field for the first time with her eyes on the governor’s seat. The Democratic candidate vowed to bring a struggling economy back and solve educational issues that have plagued Providence schools.

“Every single part of the state, people fundamentally want the same things. They want their kids to have really good educations. And for all of us to allow our kids and grandchildren to live here,” Foulkes said.

These key endorsements come six weeks ahead of the crucial Sept. 13 Democratic primary for governor, and after a recent Morning Consult poll showed current Gov. Dan McKee had a 38% approval rating, the lowest of all governors in the US.

Also, a Boston Globe poll last month found Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea leads the race for governor at 24%, with McKee at 20%, and Foulkes at 16%.

“There is not another candidate in this race better positioned with the training, background, and skills to confront the challenges that we will face in our economy while at the same time rebuilding and preparing us for the economy of the future,” Elorza said.

The endorsement from the mayor comes a year after he and governor McKee had to be separated after a confrontation before a WaterFire event.

When asked about his thoughts about the mayor’s endorsement of his Democratic opponent, McKee declined to comment.