WARWICK — Early voting is already under way for Rhode Island’s Sept. 9 primary, giving local residents an opportunity to weigh in on which candidates will appear on the Nov. 3 general-election ballot. Voters in Warwick and across the state will see head-to-head matchups in the Democratic gubernatorial primary and a crowded field for lieutenant governor.
Gubernatorial race narrows to two on Democratic side
On the Democratic gubernatorial ballot, incumbent Gov. Dan McKee faces a single challenger: Helena Buonanno Foulkes, the former president of CVS Pharmacy. The two debated last month on WPRI12.com, outlining their differing approaches to major state issues as they compete for the party’s nomination and a place on the November ballot.
Voters who cast ballots in the Sept. 9 primary will decide whether McKee or Foulkes will represent Democrats in the fall contest. The winner will face Republican John Loughlin and any other certified candidates in the Nov. 3 general election.
Crowded field for lieutenant governor
The Democratic primary for lieutenant governor features five candidates with diverse backgrounds in public service, law enforcement, municipal government and environmental work. They are campaigning to succeed or challenge for a role that can influence policy and succession should the governor be unable to serve.
- Sue Ander Bois — A Providence city councilor with ties to progressive advocacy and environmental organizations; she has served as Rhode Island’s first director of food strategy and worked as Northeast climate and energy director at The Nature Conservancy.
- Cindy Coyne — A veteran of the Rhode Island State Police who rose to lieutenant and later represented District 32 for four terms in the state Senate, where she chaired the Judiciary Committee and pushed for legislation including a ban on so-called ghost guns and measures to assist aging residents.
- Xay Khamsyvoravong — Former mayor of Newport and former deputy chief of staff to State Treasurer Frank Caprio; in addition to municipal leadership, he chaired Providence Water for nearly a decade and led initiatives that included adopting solar power and programs to replace lead service lines.
- Sabina Matos — The incumbent lieutenant governor, appointed in 2021 and elected to a full four-year term in 2022; she holds the distinction of being the first Dominican American elected to statewide office in the United States.
How the choices matter locally
For Warwick residents, the Sept. 9 primary determines which names will appear on the November ballot and narrows the policy differences voters will decide between in the general election. The lieutenant governor’s office, while often viewed as secondary to the governorship, can be a platform for statewide initiatives and a stepping stone to higher office. Candidates’ records on public safety, municipal management, infrastructure and environmental policy are likely to influence voters here.
| Office | Notable contenders | Background highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Governor (D) | Dan McKee; Helena Buonanno Foulkes | Incumbent governor; former CVS Pharmacy president |
| Lieutenant Governor (D) | Sue Ander Bois; Cindy Coyne; Xay Khamsyvoravong; Sabina Matos | Progressive city council leader; former state trooper and state senator; former mayor and utility chair; incumbent LG |
Voting details and what to expect
Early voting is underway ahead of the Sept. 9 primary; voters who prefer to vote before Election Day should consult their local Board of Canvassers or the Rhode Island Board of Elections for polling locations and hours. Absentee balloting procedures and deadlines are also set by state election authorities. The primary results will shape the lineup for the Nov. 3 general election.
With statewide races drawing attention, local turnout will be an important indicator of engagement heading into November. Candidates in both the gubernatorial and lieutenant governor contests have sought to highlight their records and policy priorities in debates and public appearances.
As the Sept. 9 vote approaches, Warwick residents have the option to research the candidates’ records, platform statements and debate performances to make informed decisions at the polls.
