Rhode Island Democratic Gov. Dan McKee faces a tough primary challenge from former CVS executive Helena Buonanno Foulkes on Wednesday, with his political future clouded by the prolonged partial closure of the Washington Bridge. McKee, who became governor in March 2021 and won a full term in 2022, is trying to avoid becoming the first elected US governor in over a decade to lose renomination, having been outspent nearly two-to-one by Foulkes according to state campaign finance records.

The Washington Bridge, connecting Providence and East Providence and once carrying around 100,000 vehicles daily, was partially shut in December 2023 over structural flaws, with reopening now delayed from this year to November 2028. The bridge's slow reconstruction, alongside high electricity prices and a housing shortage, has become a central issue in the race, with McKee and Foulkes clashing over the rebuilding process while McKee brands his rival an out-of-touch corporate figure. The Democratic primary winner will be favoured against Republican contenders Aaron Guckian or Elaine Pelino, while Rhode Island also holds primaries for Senate and House seats, including a challenge to longtime Democratic Senator Jack Reed.