Raymond 'Ray' McKay is a Republican candidate running in the 2026 U.S. Senate primary. Born October 11, 1960 in Providence, Rhode Island, McKay is a father/stepfather of four children with 13 grandchildren. He served in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1992, working on electronic maintenance for the Pershing Nuclear Missile System in West Germany. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant with one Army Commendation Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, and three good conduct medals. McKay worked for 26 years as the network and telecommunications manager for the City of Warwick, where he oversaw complex IT operations and infrastructure projects. He was president of the Rhode Island Republican Assembly (RIRA) from 2005 to 2014 and has been a grassroots political activist for over two decades.
McKay was born in Providence, Rhode Island and is a native Rhode Islander and Army veteran. He served 11 years in the U.S. Army (1981-1992) and worked for the City of Warwick for 26 years in IT infrastructure management. He has been active in grassroots Republican politics for over 20 years, including serving as president of the Rhode Island Republican Assembly. McKay has attended Cameron University and New England Institute of Technology. He is Roman Catholic and a member of the Elks Lodge. He previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2024 but lost to Patricia Morgan in the Republican primary.
Concern about illegal immigration; advocates for strong enforcement
McKay cites 'record-breaking illegal immigration' as a critical issue facing the nation, implying support for restrictive immigration policies and enforcement.
Voting History: N/A - No voting record; signed Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Focus on economic recovery from inflation and supporting small business
McKay identifies inflation and high living costs as the biggest issues for Rhode Island in the next two years. He advocates for policies that boost economic growth and support small businesses.
Voting History: N/A
Support for strong national defense and leadership
McKay's extensive military background informs his advocacy for strong defense and national security. He frames national security concerns including international conflicts as priorities.
Voting History: N/A
McKay has not held elected office at the federal or state level and therefore has no voting record to evaluate.
McKay's social media tone is patriotic and security-focused, emphasizing his military background and experience. The tone is professional and campaign-oriented, less grassroots than Burbridge and less institutional than Reed.
McKay lost the 2024 Republican primary for Senate to Patricia Morgan
McKay previously ran in 2024 and lost to Morgan in the Republican primary, demonstrating limited appeal within his own party