Helena Buonanno Foulkes is a former CVS Pharmacy executive who previously ran for governor in 2022, losing to McKee by 3 percentage points in the Democratic primary. A lifelong Rhode Islander, grandmother, cancer survivor, and wife of 36 years, Foulkes rose through CVS over 25 years to become President of its retail division. In that role, she removed tobacco from CVS shelves despite $2 billion in revenue. She is the niece of former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd and granddaughter of former U.S. Senator Thomas Dodd. Her 2026 campaign emphasizes restoring people's faith in government, criticizing McKee for 'incompetence,' and outlining detailed plans on housing, clean energy, transportation, and education. As of March 2026, she led McKee 34%-18% in polling among likely Democratic primary voters.
Helena Buonanno Foulkes is a 61-year-old lifelong Rhode Islander and Providence resident. She rose through the ranks at CVS over 25 years to become President of CVS Pharmacy's retail division. During her tenure, she removed tobacco products from CVS shelves (costing $2B in revenue) in the interest of public health. She is married of 36 years, mother of four, and grandmother. After leaving CVS, she has served on boards of Rhode Island nonprofits combating homelessness and domestic violence. She is the niece of former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd and granddaughter of former U.S. Senator Thomas Dodd. She ran for governor in 2022, losing to McKee by 3 percentage points (approximately 3,300 votes) in the Democratic primary.