R.I. governor’s hometown Democratic committee endorses his opponent – The Boston Globe

But in a statement Monday, committee First Vice Chair Lisa Beaulieu said that while the committee respects McKee’s years of public service, “Many members felt Rhode Island needs a change in leadership and a renewed sense of urgency.”

McKee’s administration has been castigated over the closure of the Washington Bridge westbound in December 2023. Last week, McKee held a news conference to announce that construction of a brand new bridge has begun.

Beaulieu said, “Recent controversies and challenges facing state government have only reinforced our members’ belief that Rhode Island needs new leadership and a greater sense of urgency. We believe Helena Foulkes is the candidate best prepared to meet this moment and help put Rhode Island on a stronger path for the future.”

The Cumberland Democratic Town Committee voted 30 to 11 to back Foulkes over McKee, who served as mayor of Cumberland from 2007 to 2015 and from 2001 to 2005. He also served on the Cumberland Town Council from 1992 to 2000.

“Helena Foulkes earned overwhelming support from our committee because she has demonstrated the leadership qualities we are looking for in our next governor,” Beaulieu said. “She understands that Rhode Islanders expect more than promises — they expect progress.“

The McKee campaign has attacked Foulkes’ record as a former CVS executive, saying she bears responsibility for the opioid crisis.

Beaulieu said, “Whether it’s strengthening our economy, improving public services, addressing infrastructure challenges, or making Rhode Island more competitive, Helena has shown she has both the experience and the drive to move our state forward.”

The committee took its endorsement responsibility seriously, Beaulieu said. “Our members carefully considered who is best equipped to lead Rhode Island through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” she said.

Foulkes issued a statement saying, “I hear from Rhode Islanders all the time about how they feel like the state government isn’t working for them and how eager they are for change. The Cumberland Democratic Town Committee’s endorsement is a telling rejection of the status quo.”

The McKee campaign declined to comment Monday night.

The winner of the Sept. 9 Democratic gubernatorial primary, which also involves Gregory Stevens, will face independent candidate Ken Block and the winner of a Republican primary involving Aaron Guckian, Elaine Pelino, and Robert Raimondo.

The Cumberland Democratic Town Committee endorsed Newport City Councilman Xay Khamsyvoravong over Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, former state senator Cynthia “Cindy” Coyne, and Providence Councilwoman Sue AnderBois in another Democratic primary. The winner will face former Republican state representative John J. Loughlin II.

The committee endorsed Keith Hoffmann, former chief of policy and senior counsel in the attorney general’s office, for state attorney general in a Democratic primary that also includes state Representative Jason Knight, Representative Joseph J. Solomon Jr., and former state Cannabis Control Commission chairperson Kim Ahern.

The committee endorsed US Senator Jack Reed, US Congressman Gabe Amo, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, and General Treasurer James A. Diossa. The committee also endorsed state Senators Ryan W. Pearson, Brian Thompson and state Representatives Mia A. Ackerman, Brandon Voas, Alex Marszalkowski, and Robert D. Phillips.

Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com. Follow him @FitzProv.