Foulkes defeats McKee in Rhode Island Democratic primary

Helena Foulkes defeated Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee in the Democratic primary Wednesday. The result made McKee the first governor in any U.S. state to lose a party primary since 2018.

The victory reversed the outcome of their 2022 contest, when Foulkes narrowly lost to McKee in a more crowded primary field. On that earlier election night, McKee refused to take her concession call.

In the rematch, McKee faced questions about his administration's efforts to replace a critical bridge in the state capital. The bridge had been abruptly closed because of safety problems in 2023.

Rhode Island last saw a sitting governor lose a primary in 1994. Democrat Bruce Sundlun lost to state Sen. Myrth York while seeking a third term, amid multiple controversies and voter fatigue. York campaigned on reform.