Former Trump Voter Fraud Investigator Runs for RI Governor

Ken Block, a two-time candidate, announces another bid for Rhode Island's top office.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:57pm

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Ken Block, a Woonsocket resident who previously investigated voter fraud claims for former President Trump, has announced he is running for governor of Rhode Island. This marks Block's third bid for the state's highest office.

Why it matters

Block's candidacy is notable given his past involvement in Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, which many view as undermining democratic norms. His run could further polarize Rhode Island's political landscape.

The details

Block, a two-time candidate for governor, cited the "dysfunction, waste, and warped priorities" of the state government as his motivation for running again. He previously ran for governor in 2014 and 2018 as an independent, but is now seeking the Republican nomination.

  • Ken Block announced his gubernatorial campaign on April 2, 2026.

The players

Ken Block

A Woonsocket resident who previously investigated voter fraud claims for former President Trump and is now running for governor of Rhode Island as a Republican.

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What they’re saying

“Like so many of you, I can no longer tolerate the dysfunction, waste, and warped priorities of our state government,”

— Ken Block, Gubernatorial Candidate

The takeaway

Block's candidacy highlights the ongoing political divisions in Rhode Island and the lasting impact of the 2020 election on the state's political landscape.