Democrat Helena Buonanno Foulkes scored a victory Tuesday as Rhode Island’s next governor, completing a journey she began more than four years ago and giving her the top job as the state stares down numerous challenges.
The Associated Press called the race for Foulkes, 62, who defeated independent Ken Block and Republican Aaron Guckian in Tuesday's general election.
Foulkes will become Rhode Island's second woman governor, following Gina Raimondo, who was first elected in 2014.
Her victory follows a decisive Democratic primary win over Gov. Dan McKee, whom she defeated by 24 percentage points while carrying every community in the state. Throughout her campaign, Foulkes pledged stronger leadership to address Rhode Island's housing and affordability crises and to stand up to the Trump administration in Washington.
Block gained support during the short general election campaign following the September primary. Foulkes' campaign responded with ads highlighting his past criticism of the Affordable Care Act — remarks Block said misrepresented his current position in support of expanding access to healthcare.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
