Foulkes centers challenge on cost, pace of 2023 bridge replacement
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Gov. Dan McKee narrowly defeated Helena Foulkes four years ago in a multi-candidate Democratic primary to win his first full term. The former CVS executive is challenging him again in Wednesday’s Rhode Island Democratic primary.
The rematch has turned on the cost and pace of replacing a state-capital bridge that was abruptly closed in 2023 after safety problems were identified. Foulkes has argued the replacement shows McKee’s administration is not working for most Rhode Islanders, and the project’s cost and pace have fueled public exasperation she has drawn on.
“People feel like state government just works with a powerful few,” Foulkes said. “They don’t think it’s working for them.”
No incumbent governor in any state has lost a primary since 2018, according to the Associated Press. If McKee loses Wednesday, he would become the first to do so.