Foulkes's CVS history emerges as health policy divides Democratic primary
Foulkes's opioid-era CVS role faces scrutiny amid her housing and tax policy proposals.
Event / Politics
Rhode Island Governor Democratic Primary 2024
Helena Foulkes defeated incumbent Governor Dan McKee in Rhode Island's Democratic primary on September 10, 2024, with 62.5% of the vote. McKee's loss was attributed to frustration over his handling of the Washington Bridge infrastructure crisis. Foulkes is favored to win the general election in this reliably Democratic state.
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2026-09-10 to 2026-11-06 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 10 Sept, 05:00 UTC
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What happened
Helena Foulkes outspends McKee significantly in primary campaign
Helena Foulkes spent $5.1 million on television ads, mailers, and campaign activities in 2024 through September 1, compared to Gov. McKee's $2.047 million spending during the same period. This spending disparity reflected the intensity of the Democratic primary rematch between the two candidates.
Gov. Dan McKee becomes first sitting US governor to lose primary in eight years
Gov. Dan McKee's loss to Helena Foulkes makes him the first sitting governor in the United States to lose a primary election in eight years. He is also the first sitting governor to lose a primary in Rhode Island since Bruce Sundlun lost to Myrth York in 1994. McKee had served as governor for five years after being elevated from lieutenant governor when Gina Raimondo became commerce secretary in the Biden administration. He was elected for a full term in 2022.
Washington Bridge closure impacts Rhode Island governor's primary race
The emergency closure of the Washington Bridge's westbound span in December 2023 became a major issue in the primary race. The bridge, which connects Providence to the East Bay, was shut down after broken anchor rods were discovered. The bridge rebuilding project is now estimated to cost $427 million and is scheduled for completion in November 2028, up from the original $368 million budget with an August completion target. No state Department of Transportation officials were removed from their positions following the closure, despite a leaked forensic analysis documenting years of ignored warnings and neglect.
Rhode Island Democratic primary win favors Foulkes in general election
Rhode Island is a reliably Democratic state that has not elected a Republican statewide since 2006, making Helena Foulkes the strong favorite to win the general election in November against the Republican primary winner. The Republican nomination contest involves Aaron Guckian and Elaine Pelino. Independent candidates, including frontrunner Ken Block, will also appear on the general election ballot.
Helena Foulkes wins Rhode Island Democratic primary for governor
Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes defeated incumbent Gov. Dan McKee in the Rhode Island Democratic primary election. With approximately 90% of precincts reporting, Foulkes received 62.5% of the vote compared to McKee's 37.5%. McKee conceded the race and called Foulkes to congratulate her.
Helena Foulkes proposes housing and tax initiatives for Rhode Island
Helena Foulkes has campaigned on housing and affordability as central issues. Her proposals include raising Medicaid reimbursement rates and implementing a 3% additional tax on incomes exceeding $1 million, which would fund the construction of over 20,000 homes. She has cited her 25-year career at CVS as evidence she can make healthcare more accessible.
Helena Foulkes supported by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Helena Foulkes received an endorsement from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was Foulkes' mother's college roommate. Foulkes also has political family ties: her uncle Chris Dodd and grandfather Thomas Dodd were both U.S. senators. Foulkes previously ran for governor in 2022 but lost to McKee in the Democratic primary.
Foulkes' CVS role during opioid crisis becomes campaign issue
A poll conducted between August 21-22 captured voter concerns about Helena Foulkes' role as president of CVS's pharmacy business during the opioid crisis. This became a central and persistent theme of McKee's campaign against her, though voters were ultimately more concerned about McKee's handling of the Washington Bridge closure.
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2 alternative perspectives
Foulkes outspends McKee while securing Pelosi's endorsement
Foulkes outraised McKee and won endorsement from Nancy Pelosi in primary.
Infrastructure Crisis Reshapes Democratic Primary as McKee Loses Seat
Infrastructure crisis helped unseat sitting governor as Foulkes won Democratic primary.