Gov. Dan McKee (D-RI) on Wednesday lost Rhode Island’s Democratic primary to former CVS executive Helena Buonanno Foulkes, making him the first incumbent governor in years nationwide to lose renomination. Just before 9 p.m., Foulkes was leading McKee 62.5% to 37.5% with 80% of the votes counted, according to the Associated Press.
Page F2From§Eachthe sunrise edition — 10 September 2026
Rhode Island governor ousted by former CVS executive, first incumbent to lose primary since 2018
The numbers tell the story, hon. Rhode Island governor Dan McKee becomes the first sitting governor in eight years to lose a primary (Fox News, Politico, The Hill, NBC News). The winner? Helena Foulkes, former CVS executive and businesswoman (NBC News, CBS News). The receipts line up: three separate outlets project McKee's defeat, and all point to Foulkes as the reason. The state’s Democratic primary ended with the incumbent out, a corporate resume in, and the electorate watching the transition from public service to executive privilege. The last time a sitting governor lost a primary was 2018 (Fox News). The streak is broken, and the new streak starts with a corporate handoff. Incumbents fell elsewhere in Rhode Island, but this one is the headline. In lieu of flowers, check the price on your prescription next month.
“That's how you know it's a company town: the governor's seat goes to the CVS exec. Losing your job to the boss's friend is just called 'progress' now. The only thing left for the people is the receipt at the pharmacy, and it's a mile long.”
“It's really about fresh leadership and innovative solutions for Rhode Island. I mean, isn't it a sign of healthy democracy when a business leader steps in? If you don't like it, maybe you weren't buying enough toothpaste. Did I say that? That doesn't sound like me.”
The receipts
NBC News projects that Foulkes won the Democratic nomination in the blue state, making McKee the first governor to fall in a primary in eight years.
Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes defeated the Rhode Island governor in the Democratic primary after he failed to corral a growing political crisis around a bridge.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is the first sitting governor nationwide to lose a primary in eight years.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has lost his Democratic primary to former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, NBC News projects, after facing a significant spending disadvantage and voter discontent with his tenure. NBC News' Steve Kornacki breaks down the numbers.
Costco board member, former CVS exec avenges narrow 2022 loss to Gov. Dan McKee in high-stakes Rhode Island rematch. McKee is the first sitting governor to lose aparty primary in years.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is projected to lose his reelection bid to former CVS executive Helena Foulkes in the Democratic primary for Rhode Island, according to Decision Desk HQ. (DDHQ).
This page is a back-issue: the story as it ran, receipts as they were. The current edition is at the front.