Peter Neronha

Rhode Island voters headed to the polls to decide primary contests that will shape the state's general election ballot in November. The marquee race is the Democratic gubernatorial primary, where incumbent Dan McKee faced challenger Helena Foulkes, who had been leading in pre-election polling. Republicans chose between Aaron Guckian and Elaine Pelino for their nomination.

Other significant contests included the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, where Sabina Matos faced four challengers, and the race to succeed term-limited Attorney General Peter Neronha, with four Democrats competing for the nomination. In Providence, Mayor Brett Smiley faced a primary challenge from state Rep. David Morales, a notable test since no sitting Providence mayor has ever lost a primary; a recent poll suggested a close contest. Pawtucket and Woonsocket also held mayoral primaries, alongside various congressional and General Assembly races. Nearly 49,000 voters had already cast ballots early or by mail ahead of polling day. Primary winners advance to the November 3 general election.

Rhode Island voters went to the polls Wednesday in primaries for governor and other federal, state and local offices. Gov. Dan McKee, who ascended to office in 2021 and won a full term in 2022, faces a tough Democratic challenge from Helena Buonanno Foulkes, a former CVS executive who finished a close second in the 2022 primary. Foulkes has outraised and outspent McKee and has led him in independent polling throughout the year, though many voters remained undecided heading into the vote. A loss would make McKee the first elected Rhode Island governor to lose renomination since 1994.

The race has centered on McKee's handling of the Washington Bridge closure and reconstruction, now delayed until 2028, and a 2024 investigation finding he improperly intervened in a state contract award, though no laws were found broken. McKee has attacked Foulkes over CVS's alleged role in the opioid crisis. In the Republican primary, party-endorsed Aaron Guckian faces Elaine Pelino. Rhode Island hasn't elected a Republican governor in 20 years.

A Charlestown, Rhode Island police officer did not activate his body-worn camera before firing his weapon during the June 15 arrest of 23-year-old Jonathan Vasquez, according to police. Officers said Vasquez drove the wrong way and struck a cruiser attempting to stop him, prompting an officer to open fire. Body camera footage from another officer captured gunshots in the background before the involved officer's own camera came on.

Rhode Island's statewide body-worn camera policy, adopted in 2022, requires officers to activate cameras during enforcement activity, pursuits, and calls for service. Attorney General Peter Neronha said discipline for violations is left to individual police chiefs, since the state sets no specific penalties. Charlestown Police Chief Michael Paliotta said his department will review the incident after the Attorney General's Office and State Police complete their investigations. The ACLU of Rhode Island criticized the recurring pattern of officers failing to record use-of-force incidents. Vasquez faces reckless driving and DUI charges, with a competency hearing scheduled for October 14.