Key facts
- Rhode Island Governor McKee is campaigning against opponent Foulkes, a former CVS executive.
- McKee's campaign highlights his record and frames the race as a populist challenge to the business elite.
- McKee has accused Foulkes of negatively impacting healthcare and contributing to the opioid crisis during her tenure at CVS.
- Foulkes has a substantial financial advantage, holding five times more cash on hand than McKee.
- McKee has received endorsements from labor groups, while Foulkes has gained support from some Democratic city committees and the SEIU State Council.
Rhode Island Governor McKee is framing his re-election campaign as a populist battle against corporate interests, specifically targeting his opponent, former CVS executive Foulkes. McKee's strategy relies on highlighting his record and appealing to working-class voters, emphasizing his union support. He has accused Foulkes of prioritizing profits over people and of contributing to the opioid crisis during her time at CVS.
Foulkes, who comes from a prominent political family, is reportedly campaigning from an exclusive beach club, a detail highlighted by the McKee campaign. Despite McKee's efforts to rally labor support, including endorsements from teachers, firefighters, and Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island PAC, his base has seen some defections. The Rhode Island SEIU State Council has backed Foulkes, and the state Democratic Party and AFL-CIO have opted not to endorse McKee in the race.
Several Democratic city committees and Cumberland Mayor Jeff Cutter, who previously held the role McKee once occupied, have endorsed Foulkes. Cutter noted that McKee's recent stances have diverged from the person he once mentored, calling his endorsement a difficult personal choice and suggesting that incumbency may not be an advantage due to widespread frustration.
Financially, Foulkes holds a significant advantage, possessing five times more cash on hand than McKee as of July 31.