How traffic chaos from a bridge crisis became a political issue in Rhode Island’s Democratic primary | Today’s news
The bridge, which became an infrastructure issue three years ago, has become a major political issue ahead of the Democratic primary in Rhode Island, the smallest state in the United States by area, located in the New England region.
Governing State Governor, Dan McKeehe faces a stiff Democratic primary challenge from Helena Foulkes, a former CVS executive, with the Washington Bridge closure controversy a central issue in the race. The New York Times reported about it.
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The 2026 Rhode Island Democratic primary is scheduled for September 9.
What is the controversy over the Washington Bridge?
The political contest centers on the Washington Bridge, a critical Interstate 195 crossing connecting Providence with its eastern suburbs and routes to the southeast Massachusetts. Providence is Rhode Island’s capital and most populous city, known for its rich colonial history, vibrant arts scene and prestigious universities.
In December 2023, one side of the 60-year-old bridge was closed after engineers discovered serious structural problems.
In December 2023, one side of the 60-year-old bridge was closed after engineers discovered serious structural problems.(NOW)
The sudden closure led to an expansion traffic disruption and pissed off commuters. The state administration decided to demolish the damaged structure and build a replacement bridge. A portion of the bridge was reconfigured to carry traffic in both directions while the new bridge was planned.
But what started as an infrastructure emergency dragged on much longer to the utter dismay of citizens. The replacement bridge is now expected to be completed in 2028, meaning the disruption has spanned most of McKee’s political tenure.
But why is Guv McKee being blamed?
McKee, 75, is a former mayor and governor who first took office in 2021 when his predecessor, Gina Raimondo, was tapped by then-President Joseph Biden to serve as US Secretary of Commerce.
According to a NYT report, he says that when an engineer discovered critical structural failures that could have caused the collapse of the Washington Bridge in Providence, he took decisive action and put public safety above his political future.
But McKee’s critics say the administration was too slow to deal with the crisis and that he, as governor, should have acted more aggressively after the shutdown.
McKee’s decision to retain the state’s transportation chief for more than two years after the bridge closed has also been criticized.
Rhode Island has sued the companies that previously worked on the bridge, alleging that malfunctions contributed to its condition. The companies disputed that responsibility, arguing that the state was ultimately responsible, US media reported.
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Meanwhile, McKee pointed to progress on the redevelopment project, including federal funding and construction already underway.
The bigger issue: do voters want change?
The bridge issue is significant, but it’s not the only challenge McKee faces in his re-election bid.
The governor also faces anti-incumbency in Rhode Island, a Democratic state. Last Republican governor she left state office in 2011. For her part, Foulkes has presented herself as a candidate who can bring about a change in leadership.
In contrast, McKee sought to portray himself as a governor focused on working-class voters while attacking Foulkes for her corporate background. The governor highlighted Foulkes’ tenure at CVS and argued that the company’s history should be reviewed, particularly regarding the company’s role in the U.S. opioid crisis.
CVS has agreed to pay billions of dollars in 2022 to settle lawsuits related to its role in the opioid crisis.
Foulkes defended her record, arguing that CVS had significantly reduced the distribution of opioids during her tenure.
Foulkes spent 25 years as an executive at CVS, serving as executive vice president and president of CVS Pharmacy from 2014 to 2018
The contest has even more significance as it will not be the first time McKee and Foulkes have met. The two Democrats also faced each other in the 2022 primary.
In 2022, McKee won that Democratic primary by only a few thousand votes. But this time, as reported by the American media, the political environment is very different.
According to a recent Emerson College poll cited by the NYT, Foulkes led McKee by 15 percentage points. Other polls also showed her with a significant advantage.
Foulkes also caught the attention of celebrities Democratic support. Her uncle is former Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to appear at the rally with her.
Why is this important beyond Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island race offers a familiar political lesson for India: infrastructure failure can quickly become an electoral issue when voters feel its consequences every day.
Bridges often become major election issues in India, sparking intense political debates, campaign promises or dramatic voter boycotts when infrastructure is delayed or damaged.
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During Lok Sabha Polls 2024For example, villagers in Haryana’s Yamunanagar refrained from inquiring about the demand for bridge construction. Similarly, the Dhubri Phulwari Bridge served as a major talking point and symbol of regional connectivity during election campaigns in Assam.
what’s next
If Foulkes defeats McKee, it would mark a significant setback for the incumbent governor and underscore the strength of the anti-establishment in US politics in 2026.
This bridge has become much more than just a matter of transportation; it is a test of my administration’s responsibility.
Either way, the Washington Bridge has become much more than just a traffic story.
It became a test of whether voters judge a sitting president primarily on the decision to close the dangerous bridge — or on how long it took to replace it.
