Poll shows Rhode Islanders ‘pessimistic’ about state, governor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll of Rhode Island residents showed that the majority of Ocean Staters are “pessimistic” about the direction of the state and the leadership of Gov. Dan McKee.

The Ocean State Poll’s abstract said that the respondents commonly cited “housing, infrastructure, the economy, and corrupt or incompetent government” as the main problems facing the state.

The Ocean State Poll released on July 18, 2024 (University of New Hampshire Survey Center)

Only 29% of the 597 residents polled approved of Gov. McKee’s leadership, with 42% of Democrats approving of the job he is doing and only 21% of Independents and 9% of Republicans approving.

The Ocean State Poll released on July 18, 2024 (University of New Hampshire Survey Center)

Meanwhile, 60% of those polled though the state was on the “wrong track,” with 90% of Republicans responding to the question in the negative.

“Despite voting on the topic several times roughly every decade for many years, a majority of Rhode Islanders do not have a firm understanding of the meaning of the constitutional convention question on the general election ballot in November,” the abstract also reads. “Most Rhode Islanders have used the Washington Bridge or detours since the westbound portion of the bridge was closed and most say the closure typically adds 10 to 44 minutes to their trips.”

The full survey results can be found here.