Helena Foulkes holds a dominant position in Rhode Island’s Democratic primary for governor, scheduled for September 9, 2026, as the incumbent Dan McKee struggles to close a consistent double-digit polling deficit. Recent surveys, including a late-August Pell Center poll, show Foulkes at 48% to McKee’s 28% among likely Democratic primary voters, with the gap holding steady or widening over the summer. Foulkes benefits from stronger fundraising, endorsements from a majority of local Democratic committees, and support from figures such as Attorney General Peter Neronha. McKee’s low favorability ratings and criticism over issues like infrastructure have limited his recovery in this rematch from the 2022 primary. Minor candidates Gregory Stevens and Joe Shekarchi register negligible support in both polling and market pricing.