RI 2026 GOP Gubernatorial Primary Live Results: Guckian Holds Slight Lead Over Pelino

Aaron Guckian held a slight lead over Elaine Pelino as the ballots from the last locality were counted.

Guckian tallied 10,360 votes to Pelino's 10,068 with 39 0f 39 localities reporting.

Guckian's "career experience includes working as a development officer for the Rhode Island Foundation," according to Ballotpedia.

"He previously worked as a vice president at Bank Newport, an officer with The Washington Trust Company, and a special assistant to former Governor Donald Carcieri," Ballotpedia said. "He serves as a coach for the East Greenwich Basketball Association and the East Greenwich Soccer Association."

Guckian's campaign website touts his "deep roots in East Greenwich."

"I’m running for Governor because our state has too many taxes, too many fees, and not enough opportunity for families who are working harder than ever," Guckian said on his website.

"Rhode Islanders don’t ask for much — just a fair shot, a government that makes life easier instead of harder, and a future where their kids can afford to stay here," Guckian said. "I believe Rhode Island can work smarter, grow stronger, and finally give people real opportunity to build their lives right here in the place we all call home."

Pelino, who says on her campaign website she is not a career politician.

What she is, according to her LinkedIn page, is a former producer, writer and actor, as well as a standup comedian, among other things.

Pelino's Facebook page says she is also the former owner, publisher and editor-in-chief of Tigress Magazine, a free publication "for the Fierce, One-of-a-Kind Woman."

Pelino's bio on the Tigress site notes that she is a a "divorced, independent woman" who was "Miss Houston World and an NFL cheerleader."