A stunning upset in Rhode Island’s Democratic primaries saw two incumbent leaders ousted by challengers, marking a sharp shift in the state’s political landscape. Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes unseated Governor Dan McKee, while Providence Mayor Brett Smiley fell to state Rep. David Morales, a self-described democratic socialist. The results reflect deep voter frustration over economic and governance issues, as both races centered on broader concerns about leadership and direction. The losses highlight a growing divide within the party as progressive and establishment factions clash in a state where Democratic control has long been assumed.
It was a bad night to be an incumbent in Rhode Island on Wednesday, with the governor and the mayor of the state’s largest city losing their Democratic primaries. Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes defeated Democratic Gov. Dan McKee while Providence Mayor Brett Smiley lost to democratic socialist state Rep. David Morales. Though McKee’s primary focused more on voter dissatisfaction over...
