Helena Foulkes maintains a dominant position in Rhode Island’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, set for September 9, 2026, as repeated University of New Hampshire surveys through June and July show her leading incumbent Dan McKee by double digits among likely primary voters. McKee’s persistently low approval ratings and the rematch dynamic from the 2022 contest have contributed to trader consensus favoring Foulkes, whose background as a former CVS executive and prior statewide candidate has resonated in polling. A recent debate between the two main contenders highlighted policy differences on state issues but has not shifted the established gap. Minor candidates Gregory Stevens and Joe Shekarchi register negligible support in available data, aligning with their limited visibility in the race. The primary’s proximity leaves limited room for late movement absent major new developments.