Former CVS executive Helena Buonanno Foulkes defeated Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee in the Democratic primary on Wednesday, ending the incumbent's reelection bid amid widespread voter frustration with the handling of a major bridge reconstruction.

Foulkes secured roughly 62 percent of the vote to McKee's 38 percent, according to preliminary results reported by the Associated Press. The outcome marks the first time a sitting governor has lost a primary since 2018 and the first such loss for a Rhode Island Democratic governor since 1994.

The Washington Bridge, a key Providence artery carrying tens of thousands of vehicles daily, has dominated the race. State officials closed the westbound span in December 2023 after discovering critical structural issues. Initial repair timelines slipped repeatedly, with costs rising and the full project now projected for completion in 2028.

Foulkes campaigned aggressively against McKee's oversight, accusing the administration of poor communication, mismanagement, and delays that have snarled traffic and strained commuters. Polls showed deep disapproval of McKee's infrastructure record, with one survey finding 79 percent of voters unhappy with his performance on roads and bridges.

McKee, 75, defended the closure as a necessary safety measure and noted that construction is underway. He also highlighted his experience and attacked Foulkes' business background. The challenger outraised and outspent the governor significantly, flooding the airwaves with ads focused on the bridge and state management. Rhode Island voters cite the bridge as their top issue, underscoring how localized infrastructure problems can upend even long-serving officials in small states.

The primary is one of many that have shown a broad anti-incumbent sentiment this cycle. McKee's loss hands Democrats a new nominee in a heavily blue state. Foulkes will face both the Republican challenger in November, along with independent candidates that qualify for the ballot.