Rhode Island Voter Guide 2026

Dan McKee is Rhode Island's incumbent governor and a Democratic candidate for re-election in 2026, facing a September 9 primary that includes businesswoman Helena Foulkes. A former lieutenant governor and Cumberland mayor, he took office in 2021 and won a full term in 2022, with a tenure focused on small business, education, and the state's economic recovery.

Priorities: Grow Rhode Island's economy and support small business · Raise student outcomes in public schools · Continue the state's infrastructure and housing push

Helena Foulkes is a Democratic candidate for Rhode Island governor, a lifelong Rhode Islander and former president of CVS's retail division who came close in the 2022 primary. Her campaign theme is competence, courage, and caring, focused on housing affordability, fixing state government's biggest failures like the Washington Bridge, and creating good-paying jobs. Rhode Island's primary is September 9.

Priorities: Make housing and daily life more affordable · Fix state government failures like the Washington Bridge and improve schools · Create good-paying jobs and keep talent in Rhode Island

Aaron Guckian is a Republican candidate for Rhode Island governor, a trade association executive, former gubernatorial aide, and the party's 2022 nominee for lieutenant governor. Rhode Island's primary is September 9.

Priorities: Bring business and executive-branch experience to state government · Offer a Republican alternative for the governor's office · Make Rhode Island more affordable and competitive

Ken Block is an independent candidate for Rhode Island governor, a software designer and businessman who ran in 2010 as the Moderate Party founder and in 2014 as a Republican. His campaigns have emphasized data-driven government reform and eliminating waste and fraud.

Priorities: Apply data-driven reform to state government · Cut waste and fraud in public spending · Offer an independent alternative to the two parties

Jack Reed is Rhode Island's incumbent U.S. senator and a Democratic candidate for a sixth term in 2026. A West Point graduate and Army veteran who has served in the Senate since 1997, he is the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, and his work centers on national defense, housing, and education. Rhode Island's primary is September 9.

Priorities: Lead on national defense as the Armed Services Committee's top Democrat · Expand affordable housing and protect Rhode Island's coastline · Defend Social Security, Medicare, and education funding

Ray McKay is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Rhode Island, an IT professional, political consultant, and the party's 2024 Senate candidate. A Providence native and father of four from Warwick, his Right Direction Right Now platform emphasizes constitutional principles and common-sense solutions. Rhode Island's primary is September 9.

Priorities: Restore constitutional principles and unalienable rights · Apply common-sense solutions to national challenges · Secure freedom, values, and prosperity for Rhode Islanders

Sabina Matos is Rhode Island's incumbent lieutenant governor and a Democratic candidate for re-election, facing a contested September 9 primary. The former Providence City Council president, she was appointed in 2021 and elected in 2022, the first Afro-Latina to hold statewide office in Rhode Island.

Priorities: Advocate for small businesses and community health · Support affordable housing and aging Rhode Islanders · Bring community-rooted leadership to state government

John Loughlin is a Republican candidate for Rhode Island lieutenant governor, a former state representative, retired Army lieutenant colonel, and former radio host who was the party's 2010 nominee for Congress.

Priorities: Bring legislative and military experience to the office · Provide a Republican check in state government · Make Rhode Island more affordable

Gregg Amore is Rhode Island's incumbent secretary of state and a Democratic candidate for re-election in 2026. A former state representative and longtime East Providence teacher and coach, his tenure has emphasized election administration, civic education, and business services.

Priorities: Run secure, accessible elections · Expand civic education across Rhode Island · Modernize business and state records services

James Diossa is Rhode Island's incumbent general treasurer and a Democratic candidate for re-election in 2026. The former mayor of Central Falls who helped lead the city out of bankruptcy, his tenure has focused on pension stability, unclaimed property, and financial literacy.

Priorities: Protect Rhode Island's pension system · Return unclaimed property and promote financial literacy · Manage state funds responsibly

Kim Ahern is a Democratic candidate for Rhode Island attorney general in the open 2026 race, an attorney, former chair of the state Cannabis Control Commission, and former gubernatorial aide. Incumbent Peter Neronha is term-limited; the primary is September 9.

Priorities: Bring regulatory and legal experience to the office · Protect consumers and enforce Rhode Island law · Continue the office's public-protection work

Jason Knight is a Democratic candidate for Rhode Island attorney general, a state representative from Barrington and practicing attorney. Incumbent Peter Neronha is term-limited; the primary is September 9.

Priorities: Bring legislative and courtroom experience to the office · Protect Rhode Islanders' rights and safety · Enforce accountability in state government

Joe Solomon Jr. is a Democratic candidate for Rhode Island attorney general, a state representative from Warwick and attorney. Incumbent Peter Neronha is term-limited; the primary is September 9.

Priorities: Bring legislative and legal experience to the office · Focus the office on public safety and consumer protection · Serve all Rhode Islanders as chief legal officer