Ken Block

Candidates in Rhode Island's 2026 governor's race have spent about $9.9 million combined, making it the cheapest contest in inflation-adjusted terms since 2006 and well below the $14.8–$22.2 million range of the last three cycles. Democratic nominee Helena Foulkes accounts for roughly 69% of that spending at about $6.8 million, followed by Gov. Dan McKee, who lost the September primary to her, at nearly $2.6 million. Independent Ken Block and Republican nominee Aaron Guckian have spent far less. Analysts attribute the drop-off to a thin post-primary field, though outside spending by parties and unions is filling some of the gap and rising media costs continue to push overall campaign costs higher.

The three leading candidates for Rhode Island governor — Democrat Helena Foulkes, Republican Aaron Guckian and independent Ken Block — met for a televised debate hosted by 12 News at Rhode Island College, two weeks ahead of the November 3 election. The debate, moderated by Target 12's Tim White and Ted Nesi, was the candidates' last major face-off before voting ends. It followed a 12 News/Emerson College poll showing Foulkes leading with 44% support, Block gaining ground at 35%, and Guckian trailing at 10%, with undecided voters expected to split among the three. Independents Jay Gotra and C Reynolds also appear on the ballot. Early voting began October 14.

Rhode Island Republican gubernatorial candidate Aaron Guckian is calling on independent candidate Ken Block to withdraw from the race, a day after the two candidates and Democrat Helena Foulkes held their first televised debate on NBC 10. Guckian argued Block offered no concrete plans and should "step aside" to let others do "the real work."

Block, who has run for governor twice before, rejected the demand, noting Guckian trails in polling and has limited campaign funds. Block pointed to his own internally commissioned polling showing him beating Foulkes head-to-head, while Foulkes wins comfortably in a three-way race and would defeat Guckian by a wide margin one-on-one. He accused Guckian's campaign of effectively helping Foulkes by splitting the opposition vote.

During Wednesday's debate, Guckian and Block did not clash directly, both criticizing Foulkes' housing plan, opposing truck tolls, and agreeing on transgender sports policy, while differing on ICE operations in the state. Guckian said he would work closely with the Trump administration.