Rhode Island Governor McKee Faces Uphill Battle for Reelection

New polls show low approval ratings and double-digit deficit in Democratic primary

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Two new polls suggest Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee is in serious political trouble heading into the 2026 election, with low approval ratings and a double-digit deficit in the Democratic primary against challenger Helena Foulkes. The surveys highlight voter discontent over issues like the Washington Bridge crisis, housing affordability, and the cost of living, while also showing majority support for McKee's policy proposals like a millionaire's tax and phasing out taxes on Social Security benefits.

Why it matters

McKee's low approval ratings and primary deficit could jeopardize his chances of winning reelection, with broader implications for the state's political landscape and policy direction. The poll results also shed light on the key issues driving voter sentiment in Rhode Island, which will likely shape the campaign trail debates.

The details

The two polls - one from the Rhode Island AFL-CIO and the other from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center - paint a bleak picture for McKee's reelection prospects. The UNH poll found only 18% of Rhode Island residents approve of McKee's performance, with 77% disapproving. Even among registered Democrats, just 35% approve of the job he is doing. The AFL-CIO poll showed McKee's statewide job approval at 30%. Both surveys also showed McKee trailing Foulkes in the Democratic primary, with UNH finding Foulkes at 34% and McKee at 18% among likely primary voters.

  • The UNH poll surveyed 703 Rhode Island residents online and by text message from Feb. 12 to 16, 2026.
  • The AFL-CIO poll surveyed 400 Rhode Island registered voters by cell and landline phone interviews from Jan. 22 to 26, 2026.

The players

Dan McKee

The incumbent Governor of Rhode Island, seeking reelection as a Democrat.

Helena Foulkes

A Democratic challenger to McKee, who narrowly lost to him in the 2022 gubernatorial election.

Joe Fleming

A political analyst hired by the Rhode Island AFL-CIO to conduct their poll.

Andrew Smith

The director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, which conducted one of the polls.

Christina Freundlich

A spokesperson for the McKee campaign.

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What they’re saying

“Governor Dan McKee is not in a strong position for reelection.”

— Joe Fleming, Political analyst, Rhode Island AFL-CIO (WPRI 12)

“Democrats, labor, and working families are uniting behind Governor McKee, fueling his momentum and putting him on a clear path to victory this fall.”

— Christina Freundlich, Spokesperson, McKee campaign (WPRI 12)

“I'm not surprised with their response, but it can't hide the challenges McKee faces in his reelection.”

— Andrew Smith, Director, University of New Hampshire Survey Center (WPRI 12)

“I don't think a February poll will predict the winner of a September primary, but the underlying attitudes of Rhode Island voters toward McKee are decidedly negative.”

— Andrew Smith, Director, University of New Hampshire Survey Center (WPRI 12)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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