Rhode Island 2026 elections

Political landscape in Rhode Island

Overview

Rhode Island is a New England state bordered by Connecticut on the west and Massachusetts on the north and east, with the Atlantic Ocean on the south across Rhode Island and Block Island sounds and a small maritime boundary with New York. It is the smallest state by area and ranks 44th in population, yet it has the second-highest population density after New Jersey. Providence is the capital and most populous city. Roger Williams, who left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to escape religious persecution, founded Providence in 1636 as a settlement with a secular government, and the colony drew religious and political dissenters. On May 4, 1776, Rhode Island became the first colony to renounce British rule, and it was the final original state to ratify the US Constitution, on May 29, 1790. In 2020 voters approved removing "and Providence Plantations" from the official state name. Its official nickname, the Ocean State, reflects about 400 miles of coastline and the bays and inlets that cover roughly 14 percent of its area.

Officeholders

As of October 2026, the governor of Rhode Island is Dan McKee (Democratic), and the state's US senators are Jack Reed (Democratic) and Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic).

2026 elections

On November 3, 2026, voters in Rhode Island will decide the race for a US Senate seat, the race for governor, contests in 2 US House districts and 5 ballot measures. The five bond questions cover economic development and infrastructure, environment and water, higher education, housing and cultural projects, and Providence will also elect a mayor.