PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Helena Foulkes, the former CVS Health executive and 2022 Democratic gubernatorial candidate, announced Tuesday that she will once again seek the governor’s office in Rhode Island.
Foulkes, 61, made the announcement Tuesday afternoon at the Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence.
Foulkes narrowly lost the 2022 Democratic primary to incumbent Governor Dan McKee, finishing behind him by around 3,000 votes. Her candidacy drew national attention at the time, boosted by an endorsement from then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Prior to entering politics, Foulkes spent 25 years at CVS Health, rising to executive vice president and helping lead the company’s expansion into a global health care powerhouse. Her career at CVS has faced scrutiny over the company’s role in the opioid crisis under her leadership, which she defended at today’s announcement by saying CVS reduced its opioid sales by nearly 40% during her tenure.
Foulkes also served on former Governor Lincoln Chafee’s transition team and was the initial vice-chair of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. She stepped down in May 2012 following a disagreement with Chafee over his handling of the collapse of 38 Studios, Curt Schilling’s video game company.
Helena Foulkes has been aggressively fundraising to prepare for the 2026 gubernatorial race, with $2.1 million raised as of June 30, more than double the $879,000 reported by incumbent Dan McKee.
Her entry into the 2026 governor’s race reshapes the Democratic field and sets up a rematch with McKee, who is seeking reelection. Other Democrats, including Attorney General Peter Neronha, and local businessman Greg Stevens have both expressed interest in running.
Republicans have yet to put forward a major candidate, though GOP leaders say they plan to contest the race aggressively.
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