AGP Executive Report

Providence Mayoral Shakeup: State Rep. David Morales, a 27-year-old democratic socialist backed by Bernie Sanders, defeated incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary, setting up a November matchup with GOP nominee Dave Talan and making Morales the youngest mayor in city history. Statehouse Power Shift: Gov. Dan McKee was ousted in the Democratic primary by former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, the first Rhode Island governor to lose a primary in decades, while Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos won her Democratic primary. Election Oversight: The DOJ said it will monitor Rhode Island primary polling locations in Pawtucket, sending federal civil rights staff to various sites. Labor & Logistics: Amazon delivery drivers at the DRI1 facility are seeking Teamsters recognition after signing authorization cards. Immigration Enforcement Fight: Rhode Island’s AG coalition joined efforts challenging ICE warrantless arrest powers, as multi-state legal pressure grows. Housing Finance Policy: Rhode Island’s “Taylor Swift tax” on high-value vacation homes is aimed at boosting affordable housing, sparking debate over whether it will drive away wealthy owners. Higher Ed Leadership: Bristol Community College named Emmanuel Echevarria chief of staff, expanding oversight including Title IX and government relations.

Governor’s Race Upset: Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes defeated incumbent Gov. Dan McKee in Rhode Island’s Democratic primary, a rare loss for a sitting governor, with the Washington Bridge closure and repair delays driving voter anger. Providence Mayoral Primary: State Rep. David Morales projected to beat Mayor Brett Smiley, pitching a more aggressive housing agenda and winning progressive momentum in a citywide Democratic contest. Lieutenant Governor Nomination: Sabina Matos won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, setting up the next phase of the statewide ticket. Statehouse Seat Change: Nicole Jellinek won the Democratic primary for the vacant District 67 state representative seat, advancing to face an independent in November. U.S. Senate: Sen. Jack Reed secured the Democratic nomination for a sixth term, fending off two challengers. Local Notes: Watch Hill’s waterfront home sold for $3.52M; and the Maddie Potts Jamboree continued at Chariho, supporting the Potts family’s nonprofit work.

Rhode Island Primary Day: Polls opened Wednesday 7 a.m.-8 p.m. statewide (9 a.m. on Block Island), with voters choosing Democratic and Republican nominees across governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, and the General Assembly. Governor Rematch: Gov. Dan McKee faces a tough Democratic primary rematch against Helena Foulkes, with the Washington Bridge project and its disruption still driving voter anger; multiple reports note Foulkes has led in polling and McKee is at unusual risk of losing renomination. Election Logistics: Providence polling sites saw early delays tied to poll worker callouts and no-shows, prompting replacements and staffing shuffles. Local Power Struggle: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is defending his seat in the Democratic primary against state Rep. David Morales, whose campaign centers on rent stabilization and affordability. Ballot Guide: The Secretary of State’s lookup and sample ballots are highlighted for voters, along with acceptable Rhode Island and federal IDs. Statewide Party Contests: The Democratic attorney general race features four candidates, and the lieutenant governor primary has five contenders. Cybersecurity Push: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse joined a bipartisan letter urging federal action against alleged hack-for-hire firms, seeking sanctions listings. Public Health Funding: FORE awarded nearly $1.82 million in Rhode Island-relevant overdose data grants aimed at speeding up how substance-use information is collected and used.

Rhode Island Primary Countdown: Rhode Island’s Secretary of State issued final voting reminders for the Sept. 9 primary, including early voting through 4 p.m. today, Election Day polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (9 a.m. in New Shoreham), and a hard 8 p.m. deadline for mail ballots to be received. Early Vote Surge: The state also reported a record-breaking jump in early, in-person voting—32,575 ballots cast by noon Tuesday—nearly doubling 2022 levels and coming as marquee primaries heat up. Governor’s Rematch: Gov. Dan McKee and Helena Foulkes meet in the Democratic governor primary Wednesday in a rematch that’s become a referendum on housing, jobs, and healthcare, with polls showing Foulkes leading. Local Governance & Public Safety: Central Falls announced a settlement tied to a police officer’s use of a stun gun on a handcuffed man, including an effective Dec. 21 resignation. Statehouse Watch: A Rhode Island Elections Project story highlights efforts to make voting more accessible ahead of the primary.

Providence Mayoral Race: Antisemitism and a ballot fight over whether the city can invest in companies tied to “ethnic cleansing” roiled the Democratic primary between Mayor Brett Smiley and Rep. David Morales, with Jewish leaders warning the Israel-focused debate could deepen polarization. State House Primary (District 38): Longtime Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy (D) seeks another term as challenger Stephen Moffitt (D) targets local control and accountability in the Hopkinton-Westerly seat. Federal Voting Fight: A U.S. Post Office “whistleblower” dispute over how ballots are handled and whether officials can run tests or pursue purges is back in court, with judges weighing bans while higher courts decide next steps. Public Safety/Health Justice: A lawyer for Lindsay Clancy, whose triple-murder case ended in a mistrial, asked President Trump for a pardon, arguing postpartum psychosis and treatment barriers played a role. Local Government Services: Charlestown’s Senior Center secured a new van to expand transportation for residents 60 and older, aiming to reduce isolation in a rural area with limited RIPTA routes. Tech & Transportation: REGENT’s Viceroy Seaglider completed its first human-crewed flight over Narragansett Bay, moving the all-electric craft toward 2027 deliveries.

Providence Mayoral Primary: With just days left, Brett Smiley and David Morales are in a sprint of door-knocking and contrast-making ahead of the Wednesday Democratic nomination, with Smiley leaning on neighborhood basics and Morales pitching a broader “movement” message. Statehouse Politics: A new AP Decision Notes rundown previews what to expect in Rhode Island’s state primary, including the stakes for incumbents and challengers. U.S. Senate & Federal Policy: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says bipartisan permitting reform is “as close as we’ve ever been” and could move this week, a potential national policy shift with major implications for Rhode Island projects. Legal/Access to Justice: A Newport Superior Court judge upheld a Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights finding that a landlord discriminated against a prospective tenant by demanding extra deposits and fees after learning she needed a service dog. Local Courts: In Burrillville’s “Conjuring House” dispute, a judge said the related cases are “a mess,” underscoring ongoing uncertainty over title and mortgage ownership. Workplace & Economy: Labor Day coverage highlights how leaders are framing AI’s impact on work and the need to protect workers’ dignity.

Rhode Island Primary Showdown: Gov. Dan McKee heads into the Sept. 9 Democratic primary against Helena Buonanno Foulkes, with the Washington Bridge reconstruction dragging into the campaign and McKee trying to fend off a rematch after a close 2022 race. Campaign Cash & Strategy: New filings show several statewide candidates are leaning on personal loans late in the cycle, underscoring how tight the money picture is for some races. Polling Friction: A Providence doctor and product designer described how poll calls are hard to reach and how the McKee campaign is attacking newer survey methods after a UNH poll showed a big gap. Providence Mayoral Battle: Incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley and State Rep. David Morales are locked in a housing-focused Democratic primary, with editorials split and both candidates pitching different paths to affordability. Election Access Debate: A Rhode Island Elections Project is pushing to make voting easier, arguing many voters still face real barriers even when elections are technically open. Mail Voting Court Fight: Attorney General Aaron Ford won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS changes that would have added new requirements for vote-by-mail systems. Local Safety & Identity: Providence police asked for help identifying a 15-16-year-old e-scooter crash victim after a serious car-versus-scooter collision.

Providence Mayoral Primary: State Rep. David Morales is challenging incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley in the Sept. 9 Democratic nomination, framing his run around rent pressure and progressive priorities while Smiley leans on his long record in local government and argues housing is the central fight. Campaign Finance: New disclosures show candidates for Rhode Island’s top offices pouring in personal loans late in the cycle, including Gov. Dan McKee and attorney general contenders Kim Ahern and Keith Hoffmann. Washington Bridge Fallout: The McKee–Helena Foulkes rematch is intensifying amid anger over the delayed Washington Bridge repair project, with Foulkes outraising the incumbent and running ads focused on the timeline and costs. Voting Rights Court Fight: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford won a preliminary injunction blocking a USPS rule that would have added new federal requirements for vote-by-mail systems, as the broader legal battle over mail voting continues. Local Government & Parks: Pawtucket announced major recreation investments, including a new John Street Park and a reconstructed Veterans Park Pool with splash pad and pavilion features.

Democratic Primary Rematch: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is facing a tough return fight against Helena Foulkes, with the AP framing the contest as a high-stakes test of whether McKee can avoid becoming the first RI governor to lose a primary in decades. Statehouse Fallout: Rep. Julie Casimiro resigned after moving to South Carolina, drawing sharp criticism from House leadership and Attorney General Peter Neronha over eligibility questions and the impact on constituent service. Local Elections to Watch: South County voters head into the Sept. 9 primary with key races in North Kingstown (House District 31) and Narragansett, where housing, short-term rentals, wastewater, and coastal access are driving the debate. Public Works & Parks: Pawtucket announced major recreation upgrades, including a new John Street Park and a reconstructed Veterans Park Pool with splash pad and pavilion features. Community & Nonprofits: Providence-area youth theater raised funds for Oasis International through a student-written play, while Community Beyond Violence celebrated new office space to expand support for intimate partner violence survivors.

Rhode Island Politics: Gov. Dan McKee faces a high-stakes Democratic rematch with Helena Foulkes, with the AP framing it as a fight to avoid becoming the first RI governor to lose a primary in decades. Elections 2026: South County voters head to the polls Wednesday, with attention on North Kingstown’s House District 31 Democratic primary after Rep. Julie Casimiro’s resignation following pressure over eligibility questions. Legal & Governance: Rhode Island’s attorney general secured a preliminary injunction blocking USPS from imposing new vote-by-mail design and tracking requirements ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, arguing the changes would be practically impossible and would create chaos. Disaster Relief & Infrastructure: After FEMA denied Rhode Island’s blizzard relief request, RI lawmakers pursued federal support for Fox Point hurricane barrier upgrades, citing the need to prepare for severe weather. Public Safety/Tech: A national backlash over Flock AI surveillance cameras is spilling into elections, with Rhode Island readers likely to see the issue show up in local debates about privacy and warrants.

Democratic Primary Showdown: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is heading into a rematch with Helena Foulkes, setting up a high-stakes test of whether McKee can avoid becoming the first RI governor to lose a primary in decades. Election 2026 (RI): With the Sept. 9 primary next week, South County voters face a handful of competitive races, including a major North Kingstown House District 31 Democratic primary after Rep. Julie Casimiro’s resignation following her move to South Carolina. Disaster Relief Fight: McKee and Rhode Island’s congressional delegation are blasting FEMA again after the Trump administration denied the state’s appeal for $19 million in blizzard recovery aid, calling it punitive and a political game. Voting Rights in Court: Rhode Island’s AG coalition secured a preliminary injunction blocking USPS changes that would have disrupted vote-by-mail systems ahead of November. Health Care & Medicaid: Rhode Island is among 21 states suing HHS over a rule that would bar federal Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for transgender youth, arguing the federal government is overstepping state authority. Public Safety & Corrections: RIDOC announced $1.7 million in federal earmarks to modernize transportation and expand job training through Rhode Island Correctional Industries.

USPS Mail-Voting Fight: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown and a 25-state coalition won a preliminary injunction blocking Trump-era USPS rules that would have forced states to redesign ballot envelopes and enroll voters in a new USPS tracking portal—relief that stays in place through the Nov. 3 election while the case proceeds. Disaster Relief Clash: Gov. Dan McKee and Rhode Island’s delegation blasted FEMA again after the Trump administration denied the state’s appeal for $19 million in blizzard recovery aid, with McKee calling it “a new low” and pointing to the storm’s scale and Rhode Island’s threshold compliance. Trans Youth Medicaid Lawsuit: Rhode Island joined a 21-state suit challenging an HHS/CMS rule that would bar federal Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for transgender youth, arguing it unlawfully strips states of their Medicaid coverage role. Corrections Funding: Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse announced $1.7 million in federal earmarks for RIDOC to modernize transportation and expand correctional job training. Primary Season Watch: With Sept. 9 approaching, Rhode Island’s AG and lieutenant governor races are turning sharper, with multiple campaigns trading attacks as undecided voters remain high. Transportation Update: RIDOT will open a new Route 1 (Post Road) North to Route 37 West ramp in Warwick on Sept. 11 while closing the old on-ramp to support bridge demolition.

Healthcare affordability in Rhode Island: A new URI survey finds 72% of Rhode Islanders worry about high healthcare costs, and 29% skipped doctor-recommended care because they couldn’t afford it—an access problem driven by money, especially after enhanced ACA premium tax credits expired. Hospital strain: Rhode Island hospitals are also seeing charity care costs surge amid insurance-market disruptions, adding pressure on already tight operating margins. State politics shake-up: Former state Rep. Julie Casimiro resigned after moving to South Carolina, with Rhode Island officials pressing her to step down. Public safety and surveillance: Across the country, candidates are targeting Flock AI license-plate cameras over fears of warrantless mass surveillance—an issue that’s also tied to the data-center boom. Federal health policy fight: AGs including Nessel are challenging Trump administration moves to block Medicaid reimbursement for transgender youth care. Local governance: Providence voters will weigh an Israel boycott measure, while Rhode Island’s broader policy debates continue to collide with federal court fights.

Democratic primary heat: Incumbent Rep. Tina Spears and challenger Leah Boisclair are locked in the Sept. 9 District 36 Democratic primary, with Spears touting her record on coastal resilience, health care and environmental protection while Boisclair, a criminal defense attorney, argues for more local control and accountability. Attorney general race gets sharper: Campaign ads and endorsements are turning combative in the closing stretch of Rhode Island’s Sept. 9 primaries, with voters still widely undecided and attacks flying over endorsements and disclosures. Housing push: Gov. Dan McKee’s administration announced $38.7 million in “One Stop” housing funding to support 147 new affordable homes statewide. AG and health-care affordability: A new URI survey finds 29% of Rhode Islanders delayed medical care due to cost, underscoring the stakes in the AG race. Providence ballot fight: Providence voters will decide this November whether the city should divest from foreign governments tied to alleged ethnic cleansing and genocide, a measure framed as a test of the Israel boycott movement. Local governance shakeup: Rep. Julie Casimiro resigned her District 31 seat after moving to South Carolina, after legal pressure over residency eligibility. Endorsements: LGBTQ+ Victory Fund endorsed Angela Lima for Rhode Island State Senate, signaling continued momentum for equality-focused candidates.

Rhode Island Politics: State Rep. Julie Casimiro says she will resign her House District 31 seat after reports she moved her primary residence to South Carolina, escalating questions about eligibility and prompting calls from House leadership and the attorney general. Elections & Voting: Rhode Island’s secretary of state says a U.S. Supreme Court order temporarily allowing Trump to restrict mail ballots will not affect Rhode Island’s Sept. 9 primary mail voting. Healthcare & Courts: A Colorado-led coalition sued the Trump administration over a Medicaid rule that would block federal reimbursement for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth, arguing it unlawfully overrides medical decisions. Federal Oversight: Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island is quoted raising concerns about the constitutional implications of the Pentagon taking an ownership stake in Venezuelan oil fields. Local Government & Community: A feasibility study is finalized for the Sowams Heritage Area, clearing the way for congressional hearings on a National Heritage Area designation spanning nine communities in RI and MA. Housing Language: A Rhode Island commentary calls out campaign “units vs. homes” wording that blurs what residents actually get. Community Calendar: A Little Compton benefit concert Sept. 19 will raise money for local food banks serving RI and Massachusetts.

Times Square Attack Ties to Rhode Island: New York police say a “random and unprovoked” stabbing in Times Square killed Bank of America VP Erin Piacenti, who returned to work after maternity leave, and seriously injured a 68-year-old Rhode Island man who was waiting to cross the street. Medicaid Fight Over Gender-Affirming Care: Vermont, New York, Washington and other states sued the Trump administration over a rule blocking federal Medicaid/CHIP reimbursement for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth. Rhode Island Primary Care Funding Push: Gov. Dan McKee backed a plan to raise Medicaid primary care reimbursement, citing an OHIC report that Rhode Island now pays more than most New England states and pledging about $16.5 million in the next budget. Prison Health Policy Gap: A Prison Policy Initiative review found menopause is largely missing from public prison policies; Rhode Island is listed as having no menopause-specific language. Data Center Moratorium Pressure: PIRG is urging a two-year statewide pause on new high-power data centers, pointing to energy costs and local permitting fights. Local Politics: A Providence mayoral primary poll shows challenger David Morales ahead of Mayor Brett Smiley, with early voting underway. Court Watch: Rhode Island Superior Court dismissed a Burrillville resident’s opponent’s counterclaim under the state’s anti-SLAPP law in a dispute over an artificial turf project.