The sudden closure of the Washington Bridge in Providence, Rhode Island, in 2023 continues to influence the state’s political landscape, becoming a central issue in the Democratic gubernatorial primary between incumbent Gov. Dan McKee and former CVS executive Helena Foulkes.
The Washington Bridge, a vital link connecting Providence to its eastern suburbs and southeastern Massachusetts, was closed after engineers identified critical structural flaws in the westbound span, which was subsequently demolished and is slated to be rebuilt by 2028. The closure triggered significant traffic delays and public frustration throughout the state.
Gov. McKee, who assumed office in 2021 following Gina Raimondo’s appointment as U.S. commerce secretary, has defended his handling of the bridge crisis, emphasizing that public safety guided his decisions. He pointed to substantial federal investment and progress on the reconstruction project, including demolition completion and ongoing substructure work. However, he has faced criticism for retaining the state’s transportation chief for two years after the closure and for the involvement of multiple contractors previously responsible for the bridge’s maintenance.
Foulkes, 62, has publicly accused McKee of concealing information about the bridge’s condition, protecting underperforming allies, and allowing politically motivated decisions to increase costs and delays. She has positioned herself as a candidate committed to accountability and change. Meanwhile, McKee’s campaign has criticized Foulkes’s tenure at CVS, pointing to the company’s controversial role in the opioid crisis—highlighting a $5 billion settlement the company reached in 2022—and framing her as aligned with corporate interests rather than everyday Rhode Islanders.
The primary election, scheduled for September 9, comes amid heightened voter dissatisfaction both nationally and locally. A recent poll by Emerson College showed Foulkes holding a 15-point lead over McKee. Political analysts suggest this margin reflects voter frustration tied to the bridge situation and the broader trend of anti-incumbent sentiment. Adam Myers, a political scientist at Providence College, noted that while the race may tighten, Foulkes’s performance echoes her narrow loss in the 2022 Democratic primary.
The Democratic contest is unfolding in a predominantly Democratic state, where Republicans face an uphill battle. On the Republican side, Elaine Pelino, a political newcomer aligned with former President Donald Trump, leads a primary challenge against moderate candidate Aaron Guckian.
Among voters, opinions remain divided. Some former McKee supporters express disappointment over the bridge closure’s handling, citing prolonged traffic disruptions and project delays. Others question Foulkes’s corporate record and her ability to address pressing state issues effectively.
As the campaign intensifies, McKee emphasizes his record on job creation and education funding, positioning himself as a candidate of the working class. Foulkes, meanwhile, receives support from notable Democratic figures, including former Senator Chris Dodd and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is set to appear at an upcoming rally on her behalf.
The outcome of the primary is poised to reflect both the immediate impact of the bridge closure on Rhode Island voters and broader questions about leadership and accountability as the state approaches the November general election.