The race for the Democratic nomination to be the next governor of Rhode Island will be determined on Sept. 9. But there’s more at stake than just a nomination. In a state that has elected all Democrats to statewide offices in recent years, winning the Democratic primary could be the deciding factor in determining the next governor.
With under two weeks remaining until primary day, former CVS executive Helena Foulkes has a significant advantage over incumbent Gov. Dan McKee, according to the latest poll numbers.
Ocean State Media political reporter Ian Donnis sat down with Foulkes to hear her final pitch for the state’s top office.
Interview highlights
On her plan to build housing using revenue from the state's millionaire's tax
Foulkes: There's not a single city or town in this state where a family making $100,000 a year could afford to buy a home or an apartment. And legislators hear this, too. I think they want to come along with me, and I'm sure I won't get everything I want, but I will do everything in my power to make sure that Rhode Islanders get access to great housing. I want to build modular homes, which is very exciting. We could be at the forefront in this country. I'll also bring a manufacturer here to help us build that and create good-paying jobs, along with using the millionaire's tax to create a revolving fund so that we can get loans out in the market and we can get more housing produced quicker.
On building a more diverse economy in Rhode Island
Foulkes: When I'm meeting with Rhode Islanders, they want to make sure that everyone has access to a great-paying job so they can afford to stay here. First, I want to make sure that every business that's here is adding jobs here. And what I'm hearing from many business leaders is they are trying to add jobs in other states right now; Massachusetts, for example. Not for taxes, but because it's just easier to get things done in Massachusetts.
Number two, I want to make sure it's much easier to start a small business in this state. And then third, I want to lean into our greatest strengths. We have great strengths around tourism. We have great strengths about being the creative economy, which we can lean into. I think we have a really strong beginning in life sciences, where we need more leadership from the governor. But I think our greatest strength is the ocean economy, and I want to be a governor who's attracting even more businesses because these are where great-paying jobs come.
