Rhode Island governor projected to lose Democratic primary to former CVS executive

Helena Foulkes, a former CVS executive, won the Democratic primary against incumbent Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, according to projections by The Associated Press. With about half the votes counted, Foulkes led with 62.3% compared to McKee’s 37.7%. Rhode Island, a predominantly Democratic state, hasn’t elected a Republican statewide since 2006, positioning Foulkes as the likely winner in the upcoming November election. McKee, who became governor after Gina Raimondo joined the Biden administration, is the first sitting governor in eight years to lose a primary. His term has been marked by challenges, including the costly and delayed reconstruction of the Washington Bridge. Foulkes, who has never held public office but has political connections, campaigned on issues like housing and healthcare affordability. She proposes raising Medicaid rates and taxing millionaires to fund housing projects. QUESTION: How might Helena Foulkes’ business background influence her approach to governing Rhode Island, and what impact could this have on the state’s future policies?