US primaries: All you need to know about Rhode Island elections

The final multi-state primary election of 2022 will be seen in three Democrat-leaning states— Rhode Island, Delaware and New Hampshire. The polls are scheduled for September 13, 2022. With limited offices open for re-election in Rhode Island, the primary season will see crowded races for crucial positions. 

In addition to state offices, the governor’s office and a handful of Congressional seats will be up for grabs in the upcoming midterm elections. The two Senate seats are sealed for this year.

Also Read: US primaries: 3 key takeaways from Massachusetts’ elections

Rhode Island’s governor Dan McKee, a Democrat, will fight to retain office this year. He faces a crowded Democratic primary on Tuesday. 

McKee is expected to be in a close contest against Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. Both were first elected to statewide office in 2014 and maintain a base of support and name recognition among voters.

Also running in the Democratic primary: Helena Foulkes, a former CVS Health executive who has proved to be an adept fundraiser and is spending heavily on the race in her first bid for public office; former Rhode Island secretary of state and progressive candidate Matt Brown; and community activist Dr. Luis Daniel Munoz.

McKee, the former lieutenant governor, became governor a year and a half ago when then-governor Gina Raimondo was tapped to be the US commerce secretary.

The 2nd Congressional District seat has been held by Democrats for more than three decades in a state traditionally dominated by the party. National Republican leaders think now is their best chance to flip it, news agency Associated Press reported.

Also Read: Why Maura Healey’s midterm victory will be historic for Massachusetts

US Representative Jim Langevin, who has represented the district since 2001, announced his retirement in January. The state’s Democratic treasurer, Seth Magaziner, had been running for governor but switched races after Langevin’s announcement to try to keep the seat in Democratic control.

Magaziner, who is considered the front-runner and has been endorsed by Langevin, faces a crowded Democratic field, including Joy Fox, a former top aide to Langevin; former Biden administration official Sarah Morgenthau; Omar Bah, executive director of The Refugee Dream Center in Providence; and former state lawmakers David Segal and Spencer Dickinson.