RI 2026 Gubernanotorial Race: Ocean State To Get New Governor

Rhode Island will have a new governor after the Nov. 3 election.

Incumbent Gov. Dan McKee fell to challenger Helena Buonanno Foulkes in the Democratic primary.

Foulkes will face off against Republican Aaron Guckian and three Independent candidates: Ken Block, Jasjit Gotra and Christopher Reynolds.

Guckian narrowly claimed the GOP nomination in a tight primary race with Elaine Pelino.

Guckian, who most recently served as the executive director of the Rhode Island Dental Association, said he is running for governor because he believes "Rhode Island can work smarter."

"We can make this state more affordable, make government more accountable and create a place where people don't have to leave Rhode Island to find opportunity," Guckian said.

"My Rhode Island Works Smarter initiative would bring frontline state employees directly into the process of finding waste, fixing broken systems and improving services," he said. "I want a 24/7 anonymous idea portal so the people who actually do the work can tell us what isn't working. When we save taxpayer money, those savings should help reduce the burden on Rhode Islanders."

Block, a software engineer and the owner of Simpatico Software Systems, said he is running for governor because the state has "many deep-rooted problems that go back decades."

"No governor has tackled them," Block said. "None of this year's gubernatorial candidates talked about them. I realized that this year, with the outrage regarding the Washington Bridge failure and a national unhappiness with the 2 major political parties, I had a unique opportunity to practice my flavor of politics and win."

Gotra, an entrepreneur and business owner, said he is "running to bring practical problem-solving, accountability, and a commitment to service into government."

"I want our children to have reasons to build their futures here," Gotra said.

Foulkes failed to respond to questions from Patch. She worked for CVS Pharmacy for 25 years and was president from 2014 to 2018, according to Ballotpedia.

"She also served as CEO of Hudson’s Bay Company from 2018 to 2020 and as executive chair of Follett Higher Education as of 2023," Ballotpedia said. "As of 2026, Foulkes was the executive chair of Follett Higher Education."

Reynolds could not be reached for comment.