Helena Foulkes Announces Second Run for Governor

Providence, Rhode Island – Helena Foulkes, former CVS executive, is set to announce her second run for governor on September 9, 2024. This announcement comes on the heels of her near victory in the 2022 Democratic primary, where she lost to incumbent Governor Dan McKee by just 3 percentage points in a competitive five-candidate race.

Foulkes’ Campaign Preparations

Foulkes has been actively preparing for her gubernatorial campaign, which has been evident through her robust fundraising efforts. As of June 30, 2024, her campaign account reported a substantial total of $2,105,532, reflecting a significant increase after raising $636,125 in the previous quarter. This financial backing positions her as a formidable candidate, boasting the second largest war chest among all potential gubernatorial candidates, only behind K. Joseph Shekarchi, who is approaching the $4 million mark.

To further strengthen her campaign, Foulkes has enlisted the expertise of Eric Hyers as her campaign manager. Hyers is known for his successful work on political campaigns for notable figures such as David Cicilline and Gina Raimondo.

Political Landscape and Current Challengers

Governor Dan McKee has also declared his intentions for a 2026 re-election campaign, with a campaign account balance of $879,000 as of late June 2024. He raised $205,000 in the second quarter and has maintained a prominent presence in the media through public statements and press conferences. However, the race has become increasingly contentious, particularly following a controversial lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice in late 2024, alleging that CVS, during Foulkes’s tenure, contributed to opioid overdose deaths through corporate practices prioritizing profits over patient safety.

Recent Conflicts and Accusations

Amid the escalating tensions, McKee launched a digital advertisement aimed at linking Foulkes to the opioid crisis, asserting that under her leadership, CVS accepted $173 million from opioid manufacturers to sustain sales of prescription opioids. This ad coincides with Foulkes’ announcement and has raised significant questions about her time at CVS when Rhode Island recorded 1,190 overdose deaths.

In response to these accusations, Foulkes’s spokesperson has indicated that McKee’s campaign is attempting to distract the public from his leadership failures by targeting her history. She has framed the current status quo of the state as a product of McKee’s administration, arguing that it is not effectively serving the people of Rhode Island.

Foulkes’ History in the 2022 Primary

In the 2022 Democratic primary, Foulkes secured 29.9% of the vote, closely trailing McKee, who garnered 32.8%. The election results reflected a difference of fewer than 4,000 votes between them. Despite her loss, her campaign left her and her husband with an outstanding debt of over $1.8 million, highlighting the financial risks often associated with political campaigns.

Support and Infrastructure

Foulkes has been actively meeting with influential supporters in preparation for her 2026 campaign. Her financial strategy has included numerous $1,000 donations from various stakeholders, showcasing her ability to attract critical financial support. By aligning with experienced campaign managers and leveraging a strong fundraising base, Foulkes aims to present a powerful challenge to Governor McKee and emerge as a compelling choice for voters in the upcoming gubernatorial election.