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. The primary elections will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, due to the Labor Day holiday.[1] 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.
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November 3, 2026
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While Rhode Island is considered to be 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.[2][3]
Republicans have not won a statewide election in Rhode Island since Donald Carcieri was re-elected Governor in 2006.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Helena Foulkes, former CVS executive, niece of former U.S. senator Chris Dodd, and candidate for governor in 2022[4]
- Wil Gregerson, librarian[5]
- Dan McKee, incumbent governor (2021–present)[6]
- Gregory Stevens, restaurateur[7]
Declined
- Gregg Amore, Rhode Island Secretary of State (2023–present) (running for re-election)[2]
- Alana DiMario, state senator from the 36th district (2021–present)[8]
- Sabina Matos, lieutenant governor of Rhode Island (2021–present) (running for re-election, endorsed McKee)[9][10]
- Peter Neronha, Rhode Island Attorney General (2019–present) (endorsed Foulkes)[11][12]
- Joe Shekarchi, Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives (2021–present) from the 23rd district (2013–present)[13]
Endorsements
- Statewide officials
- Peter Neronha, attorney general of Rhode Island (2019–present)[14]
- Statewide officials
- Sabina Matos, lieutenant governor of Rhode Island (2021–present)[15]
Polling
Aggregate polls
| Source of poll aggregation |
Dates administered |
Dates updated |
Helena Foulkes |
Dan McKee |
Gregory Stevens |
Other/Undecided [a] |
Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 270toWin[16] | March 24 – April 20, 2026 | April 23, 2026 | 34.3% | 15.3% | 5.5% | 44.9% | Foulkes +19.0% |
| Race to the WH[17] | through April 20, 2026 | April 23, 2026 | 35.0% | 14.7% | 3.7% | 46.6% | Foulkes +20.3% |
| Average | 34.7% | 15.0% | 4.6% | 45.7% | Foulkes +19.7% | ||
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Helena Foulkes |
Dan McKee |
Gregory Stevens |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire[18] | April 16–20, 2026 | 327 (LV) | ± 5.4% | 45% | 11% | 3% | 2%[c] | 39% |
| Expedition Strategies[19] | March 24–29, 2026 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.46% | 34% | 20% | 8% | – | 38% |
| Concord Public Opinion Partners (D)[20][A] | February 28, 2026 | 319 (LV) | – | 24% | 15% | 3% | – | 58% |
| University of New Hampshire[21] | February 12–16, 2026 | 364 (LV) | ± 5.1% | 34% | 18% | 4% | 3%[d] | 40% |
| University of New Hampshire[22] | September 17–23, 2025 | 275 (LV) | ± 5.9% | 35% | 19% | – | 6%[e] | 40% |
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Aaron Guckian, former chair of the Warwick Sewer Authority and nominee for lieutenant governor in 2022[25][26]
- Elaine Pelino, former actress and model[25]
- Robert Raimondo, businessman and cousin of former Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo[27]
Declined
- Jessica de la Cruz, minority leader of the Rhode Island Senate (2022–present) from the 23rd district (2019–present) (running for re-election)[28]
- Kenneth Hopkins, mayor of Cranston (2021–present)[29]
Independents
Candidates
Declared
Potential
- Julian J. Smith, photographer (previously ran for Rhode Island’s 1st congressional district)[32][33]
Declined
- 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[34] (running as a Democrat)[4]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[35] | Solid D | September 11, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[36] | Solid D | August 28, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[37] | Safe D | March 19, 2026 |
| Race to the WH[38] | Likely D | September 16, 2025 |
Polling
Dan McKee vs. Aaron Guckian vs. Ken Block
Helena Foulkes vs. Aaron Guckian vs. Ken Block
See also
Notes
Partisan clients
- Poll sponsored by Democrats for Education Reform
- Poll sponsored by Block's campaign.