Rhode Island Midterm Primaries: Foulkes Leads in Democratic Governor's Race, Reed Cruises to Victory

Rhode Island voters headed to the polls on September 9, 2026, for the state's midterm primaries, with high-profile races for governor, the U.S. Senate, and other statewide offices. Preliminary results show Helena Foulkes leading the Democratic primary for governor and incumbent Senator Jack Reed coasting to victory in his Senate race.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The 2026 Rhode Island midterm primaries are delivering results with several key races still too close to call, while others have clear frontrunners emerging from the pack.

Live results: Rhode Island Governor's Race

In the Democratic primary for governor, Helena Foulkes is projected to defeat her opponents, including Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Secretary of State Gregg Amore, former state Rep. David Bennett, and Stephen Brown .

Foulkes, a former CVS executive who narrowly lost the 2022 Democratic primary for governor to Dan McKee, has been running a campaign focused on economic development, education, and housing affordability. Her lead in pre-election polling suggested she was well-positioned to secure the nomination .

Live results: Rhode Island U.S. Senate Race

Incumbent Sen. Jack Reed is projected to win the Democratic primary, as expected . Reed, who has served in the Senate since 1997, faced only nominal primary opposition and is heavily favored to win re-election in November.

Live results: Other statewide races

The races for Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General remain competitive, with many voters still undecided heading into Tuesday . These down-ballot contests are expected to tighten as final votes are tallied.

What the results mean

In the governor's race, Foulkes' victory sets up a general election matchup against the Republican nominee, who will be determined by Tuesday's results on the GOP side. The seat is open, as Gov. Dan McKee is not seeking re-election.

For the Senate, Reed's primary win positions him for what is expected to be a relatively straightforward re-election bid, as Rhode Island has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 1994.

Background: Polls and Pre-Election Expectations

A recent survey from Salve Regina University's Pell Center found Foulkes leading the Democratic primary field, while Reed enjoyed strong support from the electorate . The poll of 857 likely primary voters indicated that many were still undecided in down-ballot races, including lieutenant