RI Attorney General Endorses Foulkes in Governor Race

Neronha backs Foulkes over incumbent McKee in Democratic primary

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has endorsed Helena Foulkes in the race for governor, giving a boost to her campaign against incumbent Gov. Dan McKee in the Democratic primary. Neronha, who was considering a gubernatorial run himself, cited the need for "bold, new leadership" to move the state forward.

Why it matters

Neronha's endorsement of Foulkes is a significant development in the Rhode Island governor's race, as he is a high-profile Democrat and the state's top law enforcement official. It signals a potential rift between Neronha and the current governor, McKee, and could sway some voters in the primary.

The details

Neronha announced his endorsement of Foulkes during a news conference held by her campaign in Providence. He acknowledged having a "strained" relationship with McKee, but did not elaborate on the reasons. Foulkes said she and Neronha had met "very often and regularly" when he was considering a gubernatorial run himself. The endorsement comes as Foulkes has outraised McKee in multiple campaign fundraising quarters.

  • Neronha announced his endorsement on March 6, 2026.
  • The Rhode Island gubernatorial primary is scheduled for September 8, 2026.

The players

Peter Neronha

The current Attorney General of Rhode Island who is term-limited and not running for re-election.

Helena Foulkes

A Democratic candidate for Rhode Island governor, challenging incumbent Gov. Dan McKee in the primary.

Dan McKee

The incumbent Democratic governor of Rhode Island, who is running for re-election.

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What they’re saying

“This is not a state that can afford to keep muddling around over the next four, eight, 10, 15 years. Rhode Island will always have its economic and other challenges — we know that from our history. But bold, new leadership can take us forward and make us better.”

— Peter Neronha, Rhode Island Attorney General (WPRI)

“Helena and I, we have had a relationship that goes back five or six years, well before my relationship with the governor went in a direction that perhaps both of us wish it hadn't.”

— Peter Neronha, Rhode Island Attorney General (WPRI)

What’s next

The Rhode Island Democratic primary election is scheduled for September 8, 2026, where voters will choose between Foulkes and McKee as the party's nominee for governor.

The takeaway

Neronha's endorsement of Foulkes over the incumbent McKee signals a potential divide within the state's Democratic party and could sway some voters in the primary. The race for the governorship is shaping up to be a high-profile and competitive contest.