Elaine Pelino leads the Rhode Island Republican primary for governor, set for September 9, 2026, reflecting trader consensus on a University of New Hampshire poll from June showing her at 42% support among likely GOP primary voters compared to Aaron Guckian’s 17%, with 39% undecided. Pelino, positioning herself as a constitutional conservative, has drawn backing from more conservative primary voters and recently debated Guckian on immigration, party direction, and spending. Guckian holds the state party endorsement secured in June and emphasizes a centrist approach, though the poll predates that convention and the August debate. Minor candidates trail far behind with negligible support. The narrow window before the primary leaves room for shifts driven by turnout among undecided voters or further candidate events.