Governor of Rhode Island · Election November 3, 2026 · Updated
Who should I vote for in the Rhode Island governor's race?
Helena Foulkes has the strongest record in the Rhode Island governor's race. Helena Foulkes scores 63 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Ken Block at 58 and Aaron Guckian at 50, as of October 9, 2026. Helena Foulkes's highest marks are command of the job and communication. Ken Block's highest marks are command of the job and communication. Jasjit Gotra (3 of 15 criteria) and CD Reynolds (1 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Independent
Ken Block
58 / 100
Public evidence on 9 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 65
- Performance
- NR
Democratic
Strongest record
Helena Foulkes
63 / 100
Public evidence on 8 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 70
- Performance
- NR
Independent
Jasjit Gotra
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 3 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- 50
- Performance
- NR
Republican
Aaron Guckian
50 / 100
Public evidence on 8 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 50
- Performance
- NR
Independent
CD Reynolds
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 1 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- 25
- Performance
- NR
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Ken Block
- On the record2026-07-20
Challenged rival independent Jay Gotra's nomination papers; the Board of Elections unanimously denied the challenge because his objection form was incomplete.
- On the record2026-10-01
Released an energy plan to remove the gross receipts tax and municipal infrastructure taxes from power bills and move the 100 percent renewable target from 2033 to 2040.
- On the record2026-10-05
Lent his campaign $190,000 in September 2026; his outstanding loans to his campaigns since 2010 total about $1.2 million.
- Credit2020-12
Hired by the Trump campaign in late 2020 to look for voter fraud, he reported the claims he checked, including 740,070 alleged Wisconsin double votes, were unfounded, and published the book Disproven in 2024.
Sources: Rolling Stone, via Yahoo, Boston Globe, March 12, 2024
- Credit2008
Founded the Moderate Party of Rhode Island and ran as its 2010 nominee for governor; ran in the 2014 Republican primary and is running as an independent in 2026.
Source: WPRI, via MSN, Oct. 8, 2026
Helena Foulkes
- On the record2026-09-24
A Board of Elections review found $11,645 in contributions to her campaigns since 2022 exceeded the annual limit; she is refunding them and the board said fines were unlikely.
Sources: Providence Journal, via Yahoo, Sept. 23, 2026, Rhode Island Current, via Yahoo, Oct. 7, 2026
- On the record2026-07-27
Says CVS cut off about 600 'pill mill' prescribers during her pharmacy presidency; a 2024 federal suit against CVS, which names no individuals, alleges the company kept filling problem prescriptions in that period.
Sources: Rhode Island Current, via Yahoo, July 27, 2026, CNN, Sept. 9, 2026
- On the record2026-10-07
Debated Aaron Guckian and Ken Block on Oct. 7, 2026, after a Sept. 30 forum, and has agreed to the Oct. 20 WPRI debate.
Source: WPRI, via MSN, Oct. 8, 2026
- Credit2018
Was chief executive officer of Hudson's Bay Co. from 2018 until 2020.
- Credit2014
Served as president of CVS's pharmacy division from 2014 to 2018 after rising through the company over 25 years.
Jasjit Gotra
- On the record2026-07-20
The Board of Elections unanimously rejected Ken Block's challenge to his nomination papers, keeping him on the November ballot.
- On the record2024-04
American Express National Bank sued him in April 2024 for more than $766,000 in unpaid credit card bills, per the attorney general's filing.
Where it stands: Pending in Providence County Superior Court as of May 2026.
- On the record2023-06
The attorney general sued him and Smart Green Solar in June 2023 for deceptive home solar sales; he is contesting a January 2026 default ruling and denies wrongdoing.
Where it stands: Pending in Providence County Superior Court as of May 2026; his motion to vacate the default was pending.
Aaron Guckian
- On the record2026-09-30
Skipped a Sept. 30 League of Women Voters forum and an Oct. 2 senior advocates' forum during a Florida fundraising trip; his campaign called them scheduling oversights.
Sources: Rhode Island Current, via Yahoo, Oct. 7, 2026, WPRI, via MSN, Oct. 1, 2026
- On the record2026-10-06
His Oct. 6 campaign report omitted private-plane travel to the Florida fundraiser; his campaign said it will file an addendum listing the in-kind costs.
- On the record2026-10-05
Reported about $7,000 on hand on Oct. 5, 2026, the lowest for a Rhode Island GOP gubernatorial nominee this century at that point, per WPRI.
Source: WPRI, via MSN, Oct. 7, 2026
- Credit2022
Was the Rhode Island Republican Party's 2022 nominee for lieutenant governor and won its 2026 endorsement for governor.
Source: WPRI, via MSN, Sept. 10, 2026
- Credit
Served as an aide to Gov. Don Carcieri and later led the Rhode Island Dental Association.
CD Reynolds
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Ken Block. Campaign reports on file with the Board of Elections, including $190,000 in personal loans in September. No official finding found.
Source: WPRI, via MSN, Oct. 7, 2026
Helena Foulkes. Campaign reports on file with the Board of Elections. A board review found $11,645 in contributions over the annual limit since 2022, which she is refunding; the board said fines were unlikely (technical, E1).
Sources: Providence Journal, via Yahoo, Sept. 23, 2026, Rhode Island Current, via Yahoo, Oct. 7, 2026
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. Campaign reports on file with the Board of Elections; his campaign said it will file an addendum for in-kind Florida travel costs. No official finding found.
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Ken Block. Hired by the Trump campaign in late 2020 to find voter fraud, he reported that the claims he examined were false and published a 2024 book saying so; he was a Republican until 2020.
Sources: Rolling Stone, via Yahoo, Boston Globe, March 12, 2024
Helena Foulkes. No public record found.
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. No public record found.
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Ken Block. Took part in the Sept. 30 League of Women Voters forum and the Oct. 7 televised debate; agreed to the Oct. 20 WPRI debate.
Source: WPRI, via MSN, Oct. 1, 2026
Helena Foulkes. Took part in primary debates with Gov. Dan McKee, a Sept. 30 League of Women Voters forum and the Oct. 7 televised general election debate; has agreed to the Oct. 20 WPRI debate.
Sources: WPRI, via MSN, Oct. 1, 2026, WPRI, via MSN, Oct. 8, 2026
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. Debated on Oct. 7, 2026 and agreed to the Oct. 20 WPRI debate; skipped two late-September forums for a Florida fundraising trip.
Sources: WPRI, via MSN, Oct. 8, 2026, Rhode Island Current, via Yahoo, Oct. 7, 2026
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Ken Block. Decades as a software business owner and founder of the Moderate Party, with no conduct finding found.
Source: Boston Globe, Oct. 1, 2026
Helena Foulkes. About 25 years at CVS, rising to president of its pharmacy division (2014 to 2018), then CEO of Hudson's Bay until 2020; no conduct finding found.
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. Aide to Gov. Don Carcieri and later head of the Rhode Island Dental Association, with no conduct finding found.
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Ken Block. No public record found.
Helena Foulkes. No public record found.
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. No public record found.
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Ken Block. Software company president and party founder; no government office. Ran for governor in 2010 and 2014.
Source: Boston Globe, Oct. 1, 2026
Helena Foulkes. Senior corporate career (CVS pharmacy president, Hudson's Bay CEO) without government service; has never held elected office.
Sources: Associated Press, via Yahoo, Sept. 9, 2026, Rhode Island Current, via Yahoo, Oct. 8, 2026
Jasjit Gotra. Founded and ran businesses including Smart Green Solar, which had 280 employees before closing in 2024.
Aaron Guckian. Trade association executive and former gubernatorial aide; taught music in North Kingstown schools for two years. Has never held elected office.
Sources: Rhode Island Current, via Yahoo, Oct. 7, 2026, Rhode Island Current, via Yahoo, Oct. 8, 2026
CD Reynolds. Works as a restaurant server, per Rhode Island Current; no documented leadership experience or public office found.
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Ken Block. Specific plans within a governor's reach: remove the gross receipts tax and municipal pole taxes from power bills and seek legislation moving the 100 percent renewable target from 2033 to 2040.
Helena Foulkes. Detailed plans within a governor's powers, including a millionaire's-tax revolving fund for 20,000 housing units, a $100 million career and technical education bond, and a transportation safety office.
Sources: Foulkes campaign, Plans, Rhode Island Current, via Yahoo, Oct. 8, 2026
Jasjit Gotra. Published a general pledge to govern by 'profit and loss' and publish a plain-English state financial report each year.
Aaron Guckian. Positions in general terms, such as a federal-partnership 'Veterans Village' and a Mississippi-style reading and math curriculum.
Source: WPRI, via MSN, Oct. 8, 2026
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Ken Block. Several channels: forums, televised debate, published policy plans and a campaign site. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey.
Sources: Providence Journal, via MSN, Oct. 1, 2026, Ballotpedia, Ken Block
Helena Foulkes. Several channels: a dated plans page, primary and general election debates, and public forums. Completed Ballotpedia's survey in 2022 but not in 2026.
Sources: Foulkes campaign, Plans, Ballotpedia, Helena Foulkes
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. One channel found: televised debate. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey; campaign site returned no issue text.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Aaron Guckian, WPRI, via MSN, Oct. 8, 2026
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Ken Block. Moved to Rhode Island in 1991, about 35 years; lives in Barrington. In-state donor share not computed.
Sources: Wikipedia, Ken Block (politician), Boston Globe, Oct. 1, 2026
Helena Foulkes. Born in Providence and raised in Rhode Island; lives in Providence. In-state donor share not computed (Board of Elections data not opened).
Sources: Wikipedia, Helena Foulkes, Rhode Island Current, via Yahoo, Oct. 8, 2026
Jasjit Gotra. Resident of East Greenwich.
Aaron Guckian. Resident of East Greenwich. Years of residence and in-state donor share not established.
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Ken Block. President of Simpatico Software Systems since founding it in 2001 (size not established).
Source: Boston Globe, Oct. 1, 2026
Helena Foulkes. Led CVS's pharmacy division and was CEO of Hudson's Bay; Fortune reported she oversaw 9,600 stores at CVS. Contribution-limit overages were found and refunded without a fine.
Sources: Wikipedia, Helena Foulkes (citing Fortune, July 2015), Associated Press, via Yahoo, Sept. 9, 2026
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. Headed the Rhode Island Dental Association (size not established). Campaign had about $7,000 on hand Oct. 5.
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Ken Block. No public record found.
Helena Foulkes. No public record found.
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. No public record found.
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Ken Block. No public record found.
Helena Foulkes. No public record found.
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. No public record found.
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Ken Block. No public record found.
Helena Foulkes. No public record found.
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. No public record found.
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Ken Block. No public record found.
Helena Foulkes. No public record found.
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. No public record found.
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Ken Block. No public record found.
Helena Foulkes. No public record found.
Jasjit Gotra. No public record found.
Aaron Guckian. No public record found.
CD Reynolds. No public record found.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 9, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in the Rhode Island governor's race?
Helena Foulkes has the strongest record in the Rhode Island governor's race. Helena Foulkes scores 63 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Ken Block at 58 and Aaron Guckian at 50, as of October 9, 2026. Helena Foulkes's highest marks are command of the job and communication. Ken Block's highest marks are command of the job and communication. Jasjit Gotra (3 of 15 criteria) and CD Reynolds (1 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in the Rhode Island governor's race in 2026?
Ken Block (Independent), Helena Foulkes (Democratic), Jasjit Gotra (Independent), Aaron Guckian (Republican), CD Reynolds (Independent). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Ken Block a good candidate for Governor?
Ken Block scores 58 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 9 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 65 of 100, performance no record. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Helena Foulkes a good candidate for Governor?
Helena Foulkes scores 63 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 8 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 70 of 100, performance no record. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Jasjit Gotra a good candidate for Governor?
Jasjit Gotra has public evidence on 3 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Aaron Guckian a good candidate for Governor?
Aaron Guckian scores 50 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 8 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 50 of 100, performance no record. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is CD Reynolds a good candidate for Governor?
CD Reynolds has public evidence on 1 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Rhode Island race scored, and the Rhode Island 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.