Rhode Island Governor Primary Results 2026, tell me about this news in (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-primary-elections/rhode-island-governor-results)

The 2026 Rhode Island gubernatorial primary is taking place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with NBC News tracking the contest via its live election decision desk.Overview and StatusVoting across Rhode Island concludes when polls close at 8:00 p.m. ET. Until poll closures and official precinct reporting begin, results pages remain in a pending, live-monitoring state.Key Races and CandidatesDemocratic Primary: Dan McKee vs. Helena Foulkes

• The Rematch: Incumbent Governor Dan McKee is attempting to secure a second full term against challenger Helena Foulkes, a former executive at CVS. This race is a direct rematch of their 2022 primary contest, which McKee narrowly won by under three percentage points.
• Core Campaign Issues:
  • Foulkes has campaigned heavily on public frustration over state government competence, centering much of her criticism on the abrupt closure, demolition, and protracted rebuilding process of the critical Washington Bridge.
  • McKee has highlighted his record on education and economic recovery while attacking Foulkes over her executive tenure at CVS, focusing on the retail chain’s legal settlements and role during the national opioid crisis.
• Pre-Election Standing: Leading into primary day, independent surveys (including polling from the University of New Hampshire and Emerson College/WPRI-TV) showed McKee facing unusually low approval ratings and trailing Foulkes among likely primary voters, making this one of the most competitive incumbent primaries of the cycle.

Republican Primary: Aaron Guckian vs. Elaine Pelino

• Aaron Guckian: A trade association executive and the Rhode Island GOP’s 2022 nominee for lieutenant governor, backed by the state Republican Party.
• Elaine Pelino: A former actress and first-time candidate running as an outsider challenger.

General Election OutlookThe winners of both primaries will advance to the general election on November 3, 2026. The general contest will also feature Independent candidate Ken Block, who previously ran for governor in 2010 and 2014.