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, candidate for governor in 2022, granddaughter of former U.S. senator Thomas Dodd and niece of former U.S. senator Chris Dodd[4]
- Peter Neronha, Rhode Island Attorney General (2019–present)[5]
- Greg Stevens, restaurant chain owner[6]
Potential
[edit]- Gina Raimondo, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce (2021–2025) and former governor (2015–2021)[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]
- Joe Shekarchi, Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives (2021–present) from the 23rd district (2013–present)[7]
Endorsements
[edit]Dan McKee
- Statewide officials
- Sabina Matos, Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island (2021–present)[4]
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Potential
[edit]Declined
[edit]- Jessica de la Cruz, minority leader of the Rhode Island Senate (2022–present) from the 23rd district (2019–present)[11]
Independents
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Potential
[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)[4]
General election
[edit]Predictions
[edit]| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[12] | Solid D | January 23, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[13] | Solid D | February 6, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[14] | Likely D | May 1, 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 d 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
- ^ Nagle, Katie (April 21, 2025). "Here's the RI Business Owner Eyeing a Run for Governor in 2026". GoLocalProv. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
- ^ a b Donnis, Ian (November 14, 2024). "Gina Raimondo is considering another run for governor of Rhode Island". WSBE-TV. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Baccari, Raymond (August 2, 2024). "Kalus donates maximum contribution to top RI Democrat". WPRI-TV. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- ^ Gregg, Katherine (January 27, 2025). "Is the GOP's Ashley Kalus itching for another run for RI governor? What she says". The Providence Journal. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
- ^ Donnis, Ian (February 21, 2025). "RI Senate GOP Leader Jessica de la Cruz on Trump, remaking government and Rhode Island Republicans". The Public's Radio. Retrieved February 21, 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.
External links
[edit]Official campaign websites