Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes is projected to win the Democratic nomination for governor of Rhode Island, defeating incumbent Governor Dan McKee in a primary that highlighted the ongoing traffic crisis caused by the partial closure of the Washington Bridge.
Bridge closure fuels voter anger
The westbound lanes of the Washington Bridge in Providence were shut down in 2023 after engineers identified structural failures that threatened collapse. While Governor McKee defended the shutdown as a safety measure, the prolonged repair has become a political liability, with commuters facing daily congestion and residents reporting severe disruptions to their lives.
“I’m not running just on the Washington Bridge,” Foulkes told local broadcaster WJAR earlier this year. “I’m running because I love this state. I want people who are here to be able to afford to live here, to get a great paying job, to make state government really work for them.”
Polls show deep disapproval of McKee
A University of New Hampshire poll conducted in August found that 80% of Rhode Island voters disapproved of Governor McKee’s performance, citing his handling of transportation and infrastructure as the top reason for dissatisfaction. The poll did not disclose sample size or margin of error.
Campaigns focus on competence and accountability
Foulkes framed the race as a test of competence, arguing that McKee politicized the bridge‑rebuilding bidding process and wasted tax dollars. “This is the poster child for mismanagement,” she said at a recent debate. Her campaign also highlighted her record at CVS, noting a 40% reduction in opioid prescriptions during her tenure.
Governor McKee defended his record, acknowledging the inconvenience but insisting the bridge shutdown was necessary for public safety. “We kept people safe. It’s been a pain in the ass for everybody. I haven’t denied that,” he said, adding that the alternative would have been far worse.
Bridge replacement timeline
Since the 2023 shutdown, the damaged portion of the bridge has been demolished, and a replacement project is underway. State officials have projected completion by November 2028, but traffic congestion remains a daily reality for commuters, with heavy trucks rerouted through residential neighborhoods.
Julia Millon, a Providence teacher, described how the bridge closure forced her to move after trucks began pounding her street at four‑in‑the‑morning, creating potholes and shaking her home.
Implications for the general election
Rhode Island remains a solidly Democratic state, and the party’s nominee is expected to have a strong advantage in the November general election. However, the presence of third‑party candidate Ken Block adds a modest wildcard to the race.
Regardless of who wins the nomination, the incoming governor will inherit the bridge issue, which is still years from full resolution.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
