Dan McKee, a Democrat, is contesting the upcoming primary elections for Rhode Island‘s governor’s office. McKee will be facing a crowded race in Democratic polls, which are scheduled for September 13, 2022.

McKee will be fending off four Democratic challengers as he seeks his first full term in office. The former lieutenant governor was elevated to the top office after then-governor Gina Raimondo was appointed as the US commerce secretary.

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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.  

Who is Dan McKee?

Dan McKee was born in Cumberland, Rhode Island in June, 1951. He attended Cumberland High School and Assumption College and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and education. He later went to Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and earned a master’s degree in public administration. McKee met his wife Susan in Cumberland High School. The couple later had two children — Matthew and Kara.

Dan McKee kickstarted his political career in the Town Council of Cumberland. He was later elected mayor and held office for nearly 12 years. As mayor, McKee established Rhode Island Mayor’s Office for Children, Youth, and Learning, which has supported thousands of Cumberland students. He was elected Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island after leaving office in 2014.

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Dan McKee was given the top public office of Rhode Island at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. According to his campaign website, he made widespread COVID-19 vaccination efforts and public safety his administration’s top priority.

His administration also focused on accessible government, effective fiscal management, high-quality public education for all students, equity and justice, and economic development centered on small businesses, his website says.