Rhode Island voters are heading to the polls today for statewide primary elections that will determine the Democratic and Republican nominees for Governor ahead of the November general election. Polls opened at 7 a.m.

The Democratic primary features McKee, who became governor in 2021 after then-Gov. Gina Raimondo resigned to become U.S. commerce secretary, against Foulkes, a former longtime CVS executive. McKee won a full term in 2022 after narrowly defeating Foulkes in a five-way Democratic primary, making Wednesday’s contest a rematch between the two candidates.

The campaign has centered heavily on the Washington Bridge in Providence. McKee ordered the westbound side of the bridge closed in 2023 after state officials identified a critical structural failure. The project has taken considerably longer than initially expected, with rising costs and continuing traffic disruptions becoming a central issue in the governor’s race. McKee has defended his handling of the project and said the replacement is expected to be completed by 2028.

Foulkes has made government performance and housing affordability major themes of her campaign. She has argued that the bridge project demonstrates broader problems with state government, while McKee has criticized Foulkes over her corporate background and her time at CVS. Foulkes has denied McKee’s allegations regarding her role in the opioid crisis and has pointed to CVS efforts to reduce opioid distribution during her tenure.

Polling before the primary showed Foulkes with an advantage in at least one recent survey. An Associated Press analysis described McKee as facing the possibility of becoming the first elected governor in the country since 2018 to lose a primary and the first Rhode Island governor to lose a primary since 1994.

Republicans are also choosing their nominee Wednesday. Aaron Guckian, a state trade association executive and the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in 2022, is competing against first-time candidate Elaine Pelino. Guckian received the state Republican Party’s endorsement and holds the first position on the Republican primary ballot.

The winners of the two major-party primaries will advance to the general election in November. Rhode Island has not elected a Republican governor since 2002 and Cook Political Report rates the race as 'Solid D'. The Democratic nominee is expected to enter the general election with a heavy advantage.