2026 Rhode Island gubernatorial election
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The 2026 Rhode Island gubernatorial election will be held on November 3, 2026. It will elect the governor of Rhode Island for a four-year term. Incumbent Democratic Governor Dan McKee, who became governor in 2021 upon the resignation of Gina Raimondo and was then elected to a full term in 2022, is running for re-election to a second full term in office.
While Rhode Island is a safely blue state, the Democratic primary and potentially the general election are predicted to be competitive due to McKee's low approval ratings and comparatively poor fundraising.[1][2]
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Helena Foulkes, former CVS executive, niece of former U.S. senator Chris Dodd, and candidate for governor in 2022[4]
- Peter Neronha, Rhode Island Attorney General (2019–present)[5]
- Joe Shekarchi, Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives (2021–present) from the 23rd district (2013–present)[6]
- Greg Stevens, restaurant chain owner[7]
Declined
[edit]- Gregg Amore, Rhode Island Secretary of State (2023–present) (running for re-election)[4]
- Alana DiMario, state senator from the 36th district (2021–present)[8]
Endorsements
[edit]Dan McKee
- Statewide officials
- Sabina Matos, Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island (2021–present)[4]
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Potential
[edit]- Jessica de la Cruz, minority leader of the Rhode Island Senate (2022–present) from the 23rd district (2019–present)[9]
- Ashley Kalus, healthcare business owner and nominee for governor in 2022[10]
Declined
[edit]- Kenneth Hopkins, mayor of Cranston (2021–present)[11]
Independents
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declined
[edit]- Helena Foulkes, former CVS executive, candidate for governor in 2022, granddaughter of former U.S. senator Thomas Dodd and niece of former U.S. senator Chris Dodd (Democratic)[12]
General election
[edit]Predictions
[edit]| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[13] | Solid D | January 23, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[14] | Solid D | February 6, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[15] | Likely D | May 1, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[16] | Likely D | June 30, 2025 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Anderson, Patrick. "How Shekarchi's shadow looms large in the 2026 RI governor's race". The Providence Journal. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ "Kathy Hochul's Approval Rating Suggests an Uphill Climb to Re-Election". Morning Consult Pro. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ Fortier, Marc (March 3, 2025). "RI Gov. Dan McKee announces reelection campaign". NBC10 Boston. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
- ^ a b c Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (January 14, 2025). "Morning Digest, sponsored by 314 Action: Oklahoma Republican who fought state funding for religious school launches bid for governor". The Downballot. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ Howell, John (March 19, 2025). "Neronha challenges Trump on many fronts". Warwick Beacon.
[Neronha] answered 'maybe' when asked if he would run for governor in 2026
- ^ McGowan, Dan (June 25, 2025). "It's decision time for Speaker Shekarchi in the Rhode Island governor's race". The Boston Globe. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
- ^ Nagle, Katie (April 21, 2025). "Here's the RI Business Owner Eyeing a Run for Governor in 2026". GoLocalProv. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
- ^ Donnis, Ian (March 7, 2025). "State Sen. Alana DiMario on Trump and what's next in the Rhode Island Senate". The Public's Radio. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
I'll break it to you right here. I am not running for governor in 2026. You can take me right off that list.
- ^ Crowley, Leah (July 15, 2025). "Community Focus: RI Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz". WPRI-TV.
- ^ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (July 17, 2025). "Morning Digest: Gavin Newsom wants to fight fire with fire". The Downballot. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
- ^ Nesi, Ted (July 19, 2025). "Nesi's Notes: July 19". WPRI-TV. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ^ Donnis, Ian (June 3, 2025). "Six big questions about Rhode Island's 2026 race for governor". The Public's Radio. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
External links
[edit]Official campaign websites