Effective and Responsive Leadership
Meet Our State Primary Candidates
Primary Day Voting
If you live in Richmond, you will be voting in primary races on September 9, 2026 for your preferred candidate for the following state or federal positions:
The following candidates are running without need for a primary, and will appear on the ballot in the general election, but not on your primary ballot in September:
Representative for Congress in RI (District 2)
Senator in General Assembly (District 34)
Representative in General Assembly (District 39)
Election Day Voting
If you live in Richmond you will be voting in the general election on November 3, 2026 for the following state and federal positions:
Representative for Congress in RI (District 2)*
Senator in General Assembly (District 34)
Representative in General Assembly (District 39)
Richmond Town Council (5 positions)
Chariho School Committee (2 positions)
*The candidates appearing on the November 3, 2026 ballot will be determined by the September 9, 2026 primary results.
For sample ballots, see the Secretary of State Website HERE.
Meet the Candidates:
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Incumbent candidates are listed first and/or marked with an *. Primary challengers are then listed randomly. Candidates with no primary contest are noted.
Attorney General
KIMBERLY RENEE AHERN
From the courtroom to the State House, Kim Ahern has built a career keeping Rhode Islanders safe and protecting our fundamental rights. As a prosecutor, a counselor to two governors and three attorneys general, and a trailblazing regulator, Kim has the proven leadership and hands-on experience to stand up for Rhode Islanders.
An avid runner and triathlete, a devoted Girl Scout leader, and a proud mama, Kim lives in Providence with her wife Jenna and their three daughters.
Website: ahernforag.com
KEITH D HOFFMANN
Keith is running as a Democrat for Attorney General to be the People’s Lawyer – an advocate for all of us in Rhode Island who need someone in our corner.
With experience serving under two attorneys general, Keith has led significant investigations and cases across the civil and criminal divisions.
Website: keithhoffmann.com
JASON P KNIGHT
Jason Knight is running to be Rhode Island’s next Attorney General. Jason was born in Providence, and he and his wife Nicole live in Barrington where they raised their two kids.
Jason was a prosecutor and special assistant attorney general in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office, and now runs his own criminal defense practice. Jason has 20 years of experience in Rhode Island’s courtrooms and a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. He knows what it takes to get justice.
Website: jasonknightri.com
JOSEPH J SOLOMON
Born and raised in Rhode Island, Joe comes from a family with a long tradition of public service and community leadership.
As an attorney with almost two decades of experience, Joe has spent years working within the legal system to protect Rhode Island families.
During his time at the State House, Joe fought to protect Rhode Island families – passing laws to protect our children and seniors, fighting insurance companies to keep affordable access to healthcare, holding public utility companies accountable to consumers, and pushing for laws to make sure that the government is fighting for who really matters – the people of Rhode Island.
Joe lives in Warwick with his wife Sarah, and their two rescue dogs Gigi and Freddie.
Website: joeforri.com
General Treasurer
No Primary
JAMES A DIOSSA*
James is a leader for all Rhode Islanders. His track record shows his commitment to fiscal responsibility, expanding opportunity, and delivering the same sense of hope that shaped his own life.
Website: diossaforrhodeisland.com
Governor
DANIEL J MCKEE*
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When Governor McKee began his term as Rhode Island’s 76th governor, he took action quickly, lifting pandemic restrictions, signing a budget that boosted education funding, and investing in affordable housing. Under his leadership, Rhode Island saw fewer school absences, reduced overdose deaths, and strong economic growth. Governor McKee is fighting to protect Rhode Island from Washington’s radical agenda, while securing critical resources to improve our state's infrastructure, and his RI2030 Plan shows Rhode Island’s best chapter is yet to come.
Website: governordanmckee.com
HELENA BUONANNO FOULKES
Helena Buonanno Foulkes is a lifelong Rhode Islander, wife of 36 years, mother of four, grandmother, and cancer survivor who rose through the ranks of CVS over 25 years to become president of its retail division.
As President of CVS pharmacy, Helena worked to ensure that consumers got the lowest possible prescription drug prices and removed tobacco products from the shelves—even though tobacco brought in $2 billion in revenue—because she believes that protecting people’s health is more important than profits.
Since coming just short in the 2022 race for governor, Helena has been working hard to improve our state, including partnering with the mayor of Central Falls to improve their public schools and combatting homelessness and domestic violence as a board member
and volunteer at Rhode Island non-profits. Helena regularly holds community gatherings at people’s homes to hear directly from Rhode Islanders about their concerns.
Helena is a compassionate, experienced and effective leader. Now, she is running for governor to make life better for every Rhode Islander.
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​Website: helenafoulkes.com
Lieutenant Governor
SABINA MATOS*
Sabina Matos grew up working in Providence and never forgot what it feels like to stretch a dollar. As your Lieutenant Governor, she is focused on one thing: making Rhode Island a place where every family can get ahead.
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Lower Grocery Costs
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Sabina is going after the big chains that have been driving up your food bill for years. She is pushing real legislation to stop price gouging and bring more grocery stores to the neighborhoods that need them.
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Affordable Housing
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A home should not be a luxury. Sabina has been fighting for affordable housing since her time on the City Council, and she is not slowing down.
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Your Rights, Protected
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From reproductive freedom to the right to vote, Sabina will never back down from protecting what matters most to Rhode Island families.
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Safer Communities
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Sabina has stood alongside communities through some of their hardest moments. She believes every Rhode Islander deserves to feel safe at home.
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Website: sabinamatos.com
XAYKHAM REXFORD KHAMSYVORAVONG
Public service has always been Xay’s way of paying forward the kindness Rhode Islanders provided his family from the day his father arrived as a refugee in 1979. From coaching youth sports to becoming Mayor of Newport, Xay has always worked to make RI better.
Rhode Island’s promise is rapidly fading as we face major challenges. Xay is a leader with a track record of moving quickly to solve problems and put people first.
Website: xayforri.com
SUSAN RUTH ANDERBOIS
My name is Sue AnderBois and I am running for Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor to make government work for Rhode Islanders, give the office a purpose, and get things done.
My career has been driven by one question:
"What are you going to do about it?"
I know that Rhode Islanders deserve leaders who are going to stand up for them and put in the work to help make their lives better. That’s why I am running for Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor.
​I have a track record of rolling up my sleeves, making government work, and achieving real results. As a Providence City Councilor, I made real progress for the city. I was Rhode Island’s first Director of Food Strategy. I directed climate and clean energy policy across the Northeast at a large environmental nonprofit. I have worked in philanthropy, represented small businesses, and been on more boards and commissions than anyone can count.
This is how I work. I find timely and creative solutions to issues – and ensure that the right people are at the table to actually get the job done. Then, I work like hell to get things over the finish line. And this is the energy I will bring as Rhode Island’s next Lieutenant Governor.
Website: sueanderbois.com
ROSS KENNETH JOHN MCCURDY
Ross McCurdy is an Air Force Veteran and innovative high school science teacher whose projects have demonstrated pathways to a better future. Now he is running for Lieutenant Governor for Rhode Islanders who are ready for a brighter future.
With a foundation of military service, educational excellence, and an unparalleled record of real-world achievement, Ross McCurdy is ready to serve Rhode Island as your Lieutenant Governor.
Ross and his wife Tamara live in Smithfield with their four children. As a family man himself, Ross understands first-hand the many challenges working families face.
Website: rossmccurdy.com
CYNTHIA ARMOUR COYNE
A proud lifelong Rhode Islander, Cindy Coyne is running for Lieutenant Governor to put her experience to work for us. Born and raised in Pawtucket, Cindy attended the University of Rhode Island on an athletic scholarship for swimming. She was among the first women to graduate from the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy and for more than twenty years she served as a Rhode Island State Trooper where she rose through the ranks to Lieutenant.
​Cindy won a State Senate seat that Republicans had held for more than 100 years. While in the State Senate, she served as the Chair of the Judiciary Committee, and successfully championed legislation to ban dangerous ghost guns. She also championed legislation to help aging adults.
Prior to joining the State Senate, Cindy served on the Barrington Town Council, where she served as liaison to the Senior Services Advisory Board, United Veteran’s Council, School Committee, Bristol County Water Authority and the Juvenile Hearing Board.
​Cindy is married to Jerry Coyne and they have four children, Katie, Patrick, Ian and Meghan.
Website: cindycoyne.com
Representative for Congress in RI (District 2):
No primary
SETH MICHAEL MAGAZINER*
Seth ran for Congress to fight for working people and protect the fundamental rights of all Americans, and since day one in office has been hard at work advocating for Rhode Islanders. He is fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare, cut costs for working people, make prescription drugs more affordable, protect and expand the Affordable Care Act, enact common-sense gun safety legislation, and defend women’s right to an abortion.
Website: sethmagaziner.com
Representative in RI General Assembly (District 39):
No primary
MEGAN L COTTER*
Since Serving Representative Cotter has:
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Added $900+ more for each child in the state Child Tax Credit
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Increased access to affordable childcare
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Expanded Social Security tax relief for seniors
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Won $600,000+ in new state aid for our schools
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Secured $115 million to strengthen RI’s Medicaid system
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Increased Medicaid support for Wood River Health Center
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Fought to protect discount drug programs
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Secured $3 million to preserve farmland and $3 million for open space
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Obtained $50,000 for first new forestry fire hose since the 1980s
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Strengthened wildfire prevention with a state forestry management plan
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Represented RI on regional fire prevention across New England, NY and eastern Canada
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Co-sponsored bi-partisan law to create an Inspector General, an independent government watchdog
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Secured an audit of RIDOT to protect taxpayer dollars
As a working mom, I know how hard it is to pay the bills and make a better future for our kids. I brought our community’s values of hard work, compassion, and problem-solving to the State House and put them into action. Thank you for trusting me to serve our community.
Website: megancotterri.com
Secretary of State:
No primary
GREGG AMORE*
Rhode Islanders believe in fair elections, transparent government, and a democracy that works for everyone. Over the past several years, we’ve worked to expand access to the ballot, modernize how people interact with government, and stand up for Rhode Islanders when those rights were threatened. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and ready to keep building on it. I am excited to run for reelection in 2026.
Website: greggforri.com
Senator in Congress
JOHN FRANCIS REED*
Senator Reed works every day to help make the federal government more efficient, effective, and responsive to the people of Rhode Island. He has a proven record of working on a bipartisan basis to help solve problems and achieve results.
Today, Jack Reed continues to utilize the lessons he learned growing up in Cranston, which were deepened in the Army and tested in the halls of Congress, to stand up and speak out for the hard-working families who are the heart and soul of our country.
In Congress, Senator Reed has fought for RI constituents including:
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Supported clean water projects to ensure both a healthy economy and a healthy environment.
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His efforts on the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees, coupled with Rhode Island’s talented defense workers, means the U.S. Navy is designing and building next generation submarines in the Ocean State, creating thousands of good-paying jobs in Rhode Island.
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Helped create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to give American families the tools to fight unfair and abusive financial products and services, as well as a new Office of Financial Research (OFR) that will help provide early warnings to regulators about future financial problems.
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Helped write laws preventing interest rate increases on new loans to millions of college students, and fought efforts to increase student borrowing costs. He recently proposed a Student Loan Borrowers Bill of Rights and has offered legislation to reform disclosure and servicing standards for both federal and private student loans.
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Wrote a work-sharing law, Reed’s Law, that has been credited with saving more than 130,000 jobs since 2012, including over 1,000 in Rhode Island.
Website: reed.senate.gov
LUIS DANIEL MUNOZ
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Dr. Luis Daniel Muñoz is running because Rhode Islanders deserve care they can afford, housing they can keep, work that pays fair and living wages, communities that are safe without being criminalized, and a government that moves with the urgency people live with every day.
Luis has seen how policy decisions show up in people’s lives — in delayed care, unaffordable housing, underpaid work, and neighborhoods carrying the cost of government inaction. As an organizer and advocate for communities often left out of decisions that directly impact their lives, he has pushed for resources that reach people where they are, and for a politics rooted in dignity instead of excuses. He is a father to Juliet, and a husband to Kelly, a public school teacher. Rhode Island is our home, and the work we've committed to as a family has always centered on building better tomorrows.
Website: munozforsenator.com
CONNOR FRANCIS BURBRIDGE
I am a small business owner, elder-care worker, community organizer, and a working class Rhode Islander. The elder-care facility I work at relies heavily on federal funding through Medicare. I see each day how inadequate government policy is failing Rhode Island. My residents, co-workers, friends, and family deserve better from Washington.
I am running to make sure the concerns of teachers and students get as much attention from our leaders as the concerns of tech-billionaires and fossil fuel executives.
We must prioritize VA care and benefits for the Rhode Islanders who have served our nation.
Big business monopolies and partisan regulators are making it impossible for entrepreneurs to succeed. We need to break up big corporations which stifle innovation, provide incentives to small businesses, and make the billionaires pay their fair share!
Website: burbridgeforri.com
Senator in General Assembly (District 34):
No primary
SAMANTHA R WILCOX
Sam Wilcox is dedicated to making District 34 a place where affordability, transparency, and environmental health thrive for all residents by focusing on:
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Affordability
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Education
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Small Business Growth
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Beneficial Business Development
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Healthcare
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Protecting the Environment
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Transparent and Accountable Government
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Investing Tax Dollars Wisely
Samantha Wilcox is a dedicated local leader with a commitment to serving her community, currently as the Richmond Town Council President. Her background in public service and passion for rural issues drive her to make a positive difference in the lives of her constituents.
Website: samwilcoxforri.com