RI Patch Candidate Profile: Jay Gotra For Governor

The 2026 election is heating up in Rhode Island and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, which will decide who will succeed outgoing incumbent Dan McKee.

Jay Gotra, an East Greenwich resident, is one of those candidates.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Here are Gotra's answers to those questions.

Age
45

Position sought
Governor of Rhode Island

Party affiliation
Independent — Unaffiliated Movement, Rhode Island.

Family
I am the father of four children. Their future is a central reason I’m running.

Education

College dropout. I left college to start my first business and went on to build it successfully.

Occupation
Entrepreneur and business owner, with experience building companies in security, solar energy, and technology.

Previous or current elected office
None. This is my first campaign for elected office.

Campaign website
https://governorgotra.com

Why are you seeking elected office?
My grandmother taught me that you cannot be a flourishing tree in a burning forest. Our personal success means little if the community around us is struggling.

Rhode Island has been my home for 24 years. I’ve raised four children here, built businesses, and created jobs. I’m 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.

What is the single most pressing issue facing Rhode Island, and what is your solution?
The most pressing issue is government creating barriers instead of helping Rhode Islanders move forward. I want to review regulations for their public benefit, simplify permitting, and hold agencies accountable for timely decisions. We need residents, businesses, and community leaders working together to build a state where people can grow and thrive.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates?
I bring the perspective of someone who has built businesses, met payroll, created jobs, and worked through difficult setbacks. That experience teaches you to make decisions, measure results, and take responsibility when something goes wrong.

As an independent candidate, I can evaluate proposals on their merits rather than through party loyalty. My focus is practical: what improves people’s lives, what can we afford, and who is accountable for delivering it?

What other issues are part of your platform?
GRIT stands for Grow Rhode Island Together. My platform includes honoring pension commitments, strengthening education and workforce preparation, expanding opportunities in AI and technology, improving healthcare affordability, supporting small businesses, and making government finances understandable to the public.

I want Rhode Island to retain talented people and give employers reasons to invest here. Growth should translate into better opportunities for families and stronger communities.

Anything else voters should know?
Politics is new to me; leadership and service are not. I believe integrity means being honest about challenges, learning from mistakes, and continuing to show up.

My faith and family shape my commitment to others. Whatever this election’s outcome, I intend to remain involved in our communities. I could leave Rhode Island, but I choose to stay and help make it better — for your children and mine.