Polls close in Rhode Island as traffic drama threatens to end Dem governor's tenure

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September 9, 2026 5:00am EDT | Updated September 9, 2026 8:00pm EDT Comments Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Rhode Island governor seeks PAUSE on Flock safety camera use Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee calls for a pause on plate-reading Flock safety cameras as privacy concerns grow. 'The Big Money Show' panel debates the technology's impact on crime. They talk about the surveillance technology and if it is a crucial tool for preventing crime or an invasive violation of civil liberties.

The polls have closed in Rhode Island as Democratic Gov. Dan McKee fights for his political life in the smallest U.S. state's primary elections on Wednesday.

McKee first assumed office in March 2021 when then-Gov. Gina Raimondo stepped down to become U.S. Commerce secretary. He was then elected four years ago for a full term. Now, McKee is trying to avoid becoming the nation's first elected governor in a dozen years to lose renomination.

In-Depth Developments & Factual Context

The governor is facing off in a primary rematch with Helena Buonanno Foulkes, a former longtime executive with CVS, which is based in Rhode Island.

THESE 12 MIDTERM RACES WILL DECIDE WHICH PARTY CONTROLS THE SENATE

Democratic Gov. Dan McKee of Rhode Island faces a challenging renomination as his state holds primary elections on Wednesday. (David Goldman/AP Photo)

McKee narrowly edged Foulkes, who is the niece of former Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd of neighboring Connecticut, in a multi-candidate field in the 2022 Democratic primary before winning the general election in the solidly blue state.

Industry Impact & Strategic Analysis

As he fights for renomination, the governor has been outspent by a nearly two-to-one margin by Foulkes, according to Rhode Island campaign finance records.

Also working against McKee is his handling of the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge, which was shut in December 2023 after officials spotted critical structural flaws.

The bridge connects Providence to East Providence and before its westbound span was shut, it carried roughly 100,000 vehicles per day. Westbound and eastbound traffic share the reconfigured eastbound span with reduced lanes.

Diverted traffic passes a closed portion of the Washington Bridge, in East Providence, Rhode Island. (Charles Krupa/AP)

Forward Outlook & Market Perspective

State officials originally estimated the bridge would reopen this year, but the completion date was later pushed back to November 2028.

The bridge has become a top issue in the gubernatorial primary, with McKee and Foulkes battling over the bidding process for reconstruction and the pace of rebuilding.

While pushing back on criticism over his handling of the bridge, McKee has slammed Foulkes as an out-of-touch corporate executive trying to buy herself an election win.

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Reporting synthesized and verified under Nexvoro.tech editorial guidelines. Full primary records referenced via Google News US Nation & Law.