RI-GOV: To endorse or not to endorse? Influential AFL-CIO decision could determine Gov. McKee's fate
The focus of the governor’s race has temporarily shifted one block west of the State House to a nondescript office building that houses the Rhode Island AFL-CIO.
That’s where leaders of the 80,000-member labor federation are scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon to decide if they will endorse a candidate in the Democratic gubernatorial primary — and who. The 15-person executive committee is expected to announce its decision, including the breakdown of votes following a closed-door meeting, expected by 6 p.m. Wednesday, Patrick Crowley, AFL-CIO president said.
The decision is critical for Gov. Dan McKee, whose reelection campaign is in need of a boost after trailing his challenger, Helena Buonanno Foulkes, by double digits in recent polls. Neither candidate received an endorsement from the Rhode Island Democratic Party at its state convention in June.
“He’s had so many losses,” said Joe Fleming, a political analyst for WPRI 12. “He really needs to find a way to start building momentum now that we’re heading into the primary.”
https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/07/15/to-endorse-or-not-to-endorse-influential-afl-cio-decision-could-determine-gov-mckees-fate/