Elaine Pelino holds a commanding lead in the Rhode Island Republican primary for governor, reflecting recent polling trends that show her ahead of Aaron Guckian by double digits among likely primary voters, with substantial undecided shares. As a first-time candidate and former business executive emphasizing affordability, spending restraint, Second Amendment protections, and education reform, Pelino has built grassroots support through social media and positioned herself as a sharp contrast to the expected Democratic nominee. Guckian, the state party’s June convention-endorsed candidate with prior statewide experience, trails despite ballot placement advantages, while Robert Raimondo has withdrawn and other declared Republicans were disqualified after failing signature requirements. The September 9 primary features early voting already underway in a low-turnout environment; sustained polling momentum or shifts among undecided voters could still alter the outcome before ballots are cast.