Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesi’s Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Threads and Facebook.
Rhode Island
Poll: Biden holds single-digit lead in RI; McKee job approval slumps to 36%
NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) — President Biden is down to a single-digit lead over former President Trump in Rhode Island, according to a new survey released Tuesday, while Gov. Dan McKee’s job approval rating has taken a hit.
The poll by Salve Regina University’s Pell Center surveyed 1,450 Rhode Island voters who said they are likely to vote in the November election, asking their current opinions about a host of incumbent elected officials as well as how they plan to vote in some key races this fall.
The poll shows a surprisingly close race for president in Rhode Island, a reliably blue state that has voted for the Democratic nominee every four years since 1988. The survey shows Biden at 40%, Trump at 33% and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at 12%, with about one in 10 voters undecided.
“I’m really kind of surprised at this number,” said 12 News political analyst Joe Fleming, who has been polling the state for years but was not involved in the Pell Center survey.
Biden’s weakness is due in part to his muted support among Rhode Island Democrats, only 72% of whom are supporting their party’s incumbent. That compares with Trump’s 87% support among Rhode Island Republicans.
Kennedy — a legendary political name in Southern New England — is backed by 8% of Democrats and 17% of independents in the survey. Among independents, the largest voter bloc in Rhode Island, Trump is winning 39% and Biden is winning 25%.
“It shows that there could be a closer race in Rhode Island than people expect,” Fleming said. “However, we’re still in June. And the one thing I know in Rhode Island from past history is Democrats tend to come home toward the end.”
The survey was conducted online and via text message by Embold Research, the nonpartisan arm of San Francisco-based firm Change Research, from June 5 to June 14. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.
The president fared far better in a different poll of Rhode Island voters released by the University of New Hampshire last month. That survey showed Biden at 52%, Trump at 33% and Kennedy at 6%, with only 5% of voters undecided.
Biden won Rhode Island in the 2020 election with 59% of the vote, while Trump got 39%. The two men are set to face off in this year’s first presidential debate on Thursday at 9 p.m., the earliest TV debate ever since the practice began in 1960.
Biden’s weak showing against Trump in the survey is also reflected in his job approval rating. Only 42% of likely Rhode Island voters approve of the job Biden is doing as president, while 54% disapprove — including a whopping 44% who say they “strongly disapprove” of Biden’s performance.
Yet the lack of enthusiasm for Biden isn’t the same as enthusiasm for Trump. Among likely Rhode Island voters, 57% think the New York jury that convicted Trump in the recent “hush money” trial made the right decision, while only 35% believe the jury got it wrong, according to the survey.
Washington Bridge crisis weighs on McKee
Less than two years after winning a full four-year term as governor, McKee is getting low marks from Rhode Islanders in the Pell Center survey.
The poll finds only 36% of likely voters approve of the job McKee is doing as governor, while 54% disapprove. About one in three voters — 32% — say they “strongly disapprove” of McKee’s performance, compared with just 8% who say they “strongly approve.”
“He has to get out and sell what he’s been doing a lot better than he’s been doing so far,” Fleming said.
Opinions are even more negative about how McKee has handled the biggest crisis he’s faced in the last six months, the abrupt closure of the westbound Washington Bridge.
The Pell Center survey shows 59% of likely voters disapprove of how McKee has handled the bridge closure to date, while only 29% approve. Even among McKee’s fellow Democrats, just 43% approve of how he has managed the bridge crisis.
The survey shows 60% of likely Rhode Island voters believe the state is off on the wrong track, while 40% believe the state is headed in the right direction.
Under Rhode Island’s term-limit rules, McKee is eligible to run for another term in 2026 because his first two years as governor were spent finishing Gina Raimondo’s unexpired second term. In an interview last week on 12 News at 4, McKee indicated he is planning to run again.
“We have a Rhode Island 2030 plan,” McKee said, adding, “Everything being said — certainly not an announcement — but my intention is to kind of see that plan all the way through to 2030.”
Fleming said McKee and his advisers have reasons for optimism despite the survey results, pointing out that Raimondo faced low job approval ratings throughout much of her term yet still managed to win re-election in 2018.
“It’s way early on this,” he said.
Most other elected Democrats fared better in the poll than McKee and Biden.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, who is perennially the most popular politician in Rhode Island, took that crown once again. The survey shows 58% of likely voters approve of the job Reed is doing as senator, while only 28% disapprove. (Reed is next up for re-election in 2026.)
U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, who is up for re-election this year, once again polled lower than his senior counterpart. The survey shows 48% of likely voters approve of the job Whitehouse is doing as senator, while 38% disapprove.
Rhode Island’s two freshmen congressmen — Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner — are both in solid shape with voters as they prepare to seek re-election for the first time, though they remain lesser known than more veteran Democrats.
In the 1st Congressional District, 42% of likely voters approve of the early job performance by Amo, who won a special election last fall to succeed David Cicilline, against 27% who disapprove. In the 2nd District, 51% of likely voters approve of Magaziner’s job performance, versus 31% who disapprove.
Amo, who had never served in office before being elected to Congress, remains lesser-known than Magaziner. Almost one in three 1st District voters had no opinion about Amo, compared with only 18% of 2nd District voters who were unsure about Magaziner.
Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos has the lowest job approval rating of any elected official in the poll, following the signature scandal that rocked her failed congressional campaign last year. Only 27% of likely voters approve of the job Matos is doing, while 39% disapprove and 35% don’t know.
Democrats lead in RI races for Congress
The survey shows all the Democrats in Rhode Island’s federal delegation are in strong shape to win in November.
In the race for U.S. Senate, Whitehouse is backed by 48% of likely voters, while 34% say they will back “the Republican candidate.” (State Rep. Patricia Morgan and Warwick’s Ray McKay are vying for the GOP nomination.) Whitehouse won his last re-election race, in 2018, with 61% of the vote.
In the 1st Congressional District, Amo is backed by 50% of likely voters, while 29% support his potential Republican rival Allen Waters. In the 2nd District, Magaziner is supported by 47% of likely voters, while 33% back his Republican opponent Steve Corvi.
The Pell Center also asked voters a variety of questions beyond specific candidates and races. Katie Sonder, associate director and fellow at the Pell Center, who oversaw the poll, said: “These survey results paint a picture of a somewhat anxious electorate.”
While Rhode Island voters are patriotic about the nation — 71% said their American identity is “very important” to them, compared with only 40% who said the same about their Rhode Island identity — most are worried about the country politically. Among likely voters, 38% say U.S. democracy is “not at all” healthy and 22% say it is only “slightly” healthy, while 28% say it is “moderately” healthy.
Most likely voters think political polarization increased over the last year, and nearly half blame “disinformation and fake news” for that fact. More than one-third of voters say they actively try to avoid the news.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 8, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing
37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Numbers numbers from May 8 drawing
Midday: 9-8-9-7
Evening: 7-9-8-9
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from May 8 drawing
10-13-15-16-30, Extra: 09
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing
14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
The tectonic plates of Rhode Island politics keep shifting, but does the state really change? Thanks for stopping by. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go.
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1. STORY OF THE WEEK
Fifteen years after starting his first term in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, Chris Blazejewski has ascended to the pinnacle of power, winning an overwhelming 65-10 vote Thursday to become the new House speaker. Blazejewski’s path was paved when he teamed up with Joe Shekarchi on the leadership team after Nicholas Mattiello lost his state rep seat in 2020. Over time, a few things stand out about the 46-year-old lawyer variously known as Chris, Blaz, and Blaze. He has impressive academic credentials, including two degrees from Harvard. Blazejewski is known for his devotion to his wife, Ami Gada, and their two young children, Aria and Liam. Blazejewski represents a safely Democratic seat based in Fox Point. He was a loyal ally to Shekarchi, patiently biding his time. At his essence, Blazejewski has an appreciation for progressive politics, but he’s also an institutionalist steeped in the culture of the House of Representatives and grounded by the fiscal challenges of Rhode Island’s budgetary outlook. A fanciful skit for the bygone Providence Newspaper Guild Follies could feature Blazejewski pursuing a utopian scheme – perhaps nationalizing Rhode Island’s strategic reserve of coffee milk. Back in the real world, though, a number of factors – including the array of Democratic views in the House and the state’s structural deficit – seem likely to temper the new speaker’s progressive impulse. In the first question he took after his win, Blazejewski told me his core values as a Democrat include helping working people, improving healthcare and public education, protecting the environment and guarding against federal overreach. The devil is in the details, of course, and the proof of how Blazejewski influences state policy will be in the pudding. He’ll have his initial test next month when the House rolls out its version of the budget, with a big potential impact from President Trump’s spending bill.
2. WINDS OF CHANGE
Speaker Blazejewski is 17 years younger than his predecessor and he’s one of just six state representatives left from the incoming class of 2010. (The others are Reps. David Bennett of Warwick, Teresa Tanzi of South Kingstown, Ray Hull of Providence, Robert Phillips of Woonsocket and GOP House Leader Michael Chippendale of Foster). His ascent reflects generational change and how progressives have nudged the House in a more progressive direction over the last 15 years. Blazejewski’s predecessor in District 2, David Segal – once dubbed the hippest guy in state government – was among those who came to the House chamber to congratulate him. Segal was part of an early boomlet of progressive wins in the House, along with Chris Fierro and the late Ray Sullivan. But none of them stayed long. Instead, the growing proportion of women lawmakers over time has fueled a move away from the socially conservative/pro-2A Democratic center of gravity that formerly typified the House. That also explains how former House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian of East Providence made history this week, beaming in her new role as the first female majority leader in the House. “I have a feeling, Katie,” Blazejewski said in his speech from the rostrum, “that this is not the last of your firsts.”
3. REALITY CHECK
The passing of the torch from Joe Shekarchi to Chris Blazejewski mixed celebration and bittersweetness in the House chamber. For Blazejewski, it’s the culmination of a long journey. It’s also the end of an era for Shekarchi, whose voice broke with emotion as he gave a parting speech reflecting on more than five years in what is sometimes called Rhode Island’s most powerful political post. He took credit for changing the House culture “into a more positive member-driven body where all perspectives are heard, respected and valued.” Speaking to what he sees as his legacy, Shekarchi cited progress on housing, healthcare, education funding, pay equity and other issues. There was a buzz of goodwill in the House chamber for the departing speaker and the new team rising in power. But Rhode Island’s thorniest challenges – the housing crisis, insufficient drivers of economic growth, under-performing public schools, and lower insurance reimbursement than in neighboring states – never remain far away.
4. NEXT STEP
Roger Williams University School of Law professor Michael J. Yelnosky is the most outspoken critic of former Speaker Joe Shekarchi’s application to move directly to the Rhode Island Supreme Court from the General Assembly. Shekarchi said he has studied the revolving door law and is convinced it doesn’t apply to the Supreme Court. A complaint filed by Yelnosky with the state Ethics Commission may be taken up during the commission’s next meeting, on June 2. A number of prominent people, including Gov. Dan McKee and candidate Helena Foulkes, have said they don’t see a problem with Shekarchi’s application. Speaking from the rostrum Thursday, Speaker Blazejewski said he believes Shekarchi will make a great justice.
5. THE MILITARY
The Pentagon’s recent $25 billion estimate for the cost of the war in Iran doesn’t come close to resembling the true amount, according to Stephanie Savell, director of the Costs of War Project at Brown University. “That is just the very smallest tip of the iceberg,” Savell said during a One on One interview with me this week. The bigger point is the huge amount of economic cost being accumulated by the U.S., she said, with no end in sight. Savell said the U.S. now owes $31 trillion in debt, largely from post-9/11 wars and a series of tax cuts, and she said 15% of the federal budget goes for that each year. “I have to get in front of my college students and tell them ‘Our leaders have made a decision to saddle you with a tremendous amount of debt that’s gonna affect all of the things that you care about,’” Savell said. We also talked about drones, Rhode Island’s defense sector, whether other forms of spending are more efficient and more.
U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo joined CNN to talk about the cost of gas.
Stephanie Savell, director of the Costs of War project at Brown University, says much of the United States’ massive defense budget could be better spent on education, health care and green energy
6. CITY HAUL
Providence City Councilor Ana Vargas pulled in the biggest campaign fundraising of her career – more than $16,000 – as the council was approaching a vote on rent stabilization. Landlords flooded her campaign account, as my colleague Ben Berke reports, and she took their side in two votes. As Ben reports, “Prior to the rent control debate, Vargas had been one of the city council’s least prolific fundraisers, raising an average of $873 per quarter. She began 2026 with just $426 in her campaign account, and received only two campaign contributions all of last year.” Vargas declined an interview request and she did not respond to additional requests for comment.
Providence City Councilor Ana Vargas supported rent control during her election campaign. As she prepared to vote on it, she received the largest political donations of her career
7. BARGAIN HUNT
Democrat Wil Gregersen got in touch after going unmentioned in last week’s column in an item on first-quarter fundraising by candidates for governor. As Gregersen noted, he has more in his campaign account ($473.60) than some of those who were mentioned. “I’m serious about my candidacy,” he wrote. “Money is corrupting, and I’m purposely staying off the usual path candidates take to get elected.” Gregersen, a librarian in Warwick, proposes single-payer healthcare, a publicly owned energy utility and more – without explaining how he would pay to do this. Candidates like Gregersen and independent candidate for governor Paul Rianna Jr. run in every statewide election cycle, attracting a small amount of votes. Like it or not, campaign fundraising is a big part of our politics – a situation intensified by the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in 2010. The only counter-example in recent Rhode Island history is the late Robert “Cool Moose” Healey, who won 21% of the vote for governor in 2014 while barely spending any money. But that was after a half-dozen or so runs for statewide office and Healey understood how to use schtick to gain wider recognition. Something he told me in 2002 about the challenge facing third-party candidates seems apt for those hoping to run a statewide campaign without significant fundraising: “It’s about being outside the mainstream, being able to challenge the status quo. As one person said to me, `You can’t beat City Hall, but you can piss on the steps.’”
8. THE KIDS ARE NOT ALRIGHT
The latest data from Rhode Island KIDS COUNT shows that more Rhode Island children (16.3%) live in poverty than the national average. The rate in Newport, a city known more for tourism and Gilded Age mansions, is 32%. “We see kids with mental health challenges, challenges in school, difficulty in school, mental behavioral health,” KIDS COUNT Executive Director Paige Parks told Luis Hernandez in an interview. “It all stems from poverty.” She urges state lawmakers to continue to invest in early childhood programs and Rhode Island Works, a workforce development program for low-income families.
9. RI POLI-MEDIA PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
State Rep. Julie Casimiro (D-North Kingstown) is not seeking re-election, and former Sen. James Sheehan – motivated by the controversial sludge proposal – may run for the seat. Casimiro had been considered a top target for the League of Rhode Island Businesses …. Nick Fede, who spoke with me for a previous story about the challenge facing small brewers in RI, has won election as president of American Beverage Licensees, a leading national trade association …. Haley Gervino is the new executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence. A graduate of Providence College and Brandeis University, she serves as VP of operations for Sisters in Public Health …. Will this be the year when Drinking Liberally seeds new statewide leaders? Speaker Blazejewski hosted the bygone beer-and-chat series at the Wild Colonial back in the day. Another host was Kim Ahern, one of four Democrats running for AG …. Danica Iacoi, who served as chief legal counsel for former Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, is back in that role with Blazejewski.
10. OLD SCHOOL
Eighty percent of Americans think there should be age caps on serving in Congress, according to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. As NPR’s Elena Moore reports, “The current Congress is now the third-oldest in U.S. history, and has seen five members die since last March. Each was 65 or older. For some voters, the widening age difference between them and members of Congress is contributing to an already growing disconnect that they feel with leaders.”
11. KICKER
Betting has become inextricably intertwined with professional sports, with predictable results. Now, as NPR’s Luke Garrett reports, campaign staffers are getting in on the action, making thousands by betting on their own candidates. What could possibly go wrong, eh? U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner said his office has implemented a prohibition on participating in prediction markets or wagering on political, legislative, regulatory, geopolitical or other outcomes.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 7, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Numbers numbers from May 7 drawing
Midday: 9-3-7-1
Evening: 1-8-1-8
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from May 7 drawing
12-13-19-22-29, Extra: 02
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 7 drawing
05-08-21-44-48, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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