Helena Foulkes is the Democratic nominee for governor of Rhode Island following her victory in the September 2026 primary election. Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Foulkes earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She began her professional career in the private sector before joining CVS Health in 1992, where she spent 25 years and eventually became President of CVS Pharmacy. In 2018, she was appointed CEO of Hudson's Bay Company, overseeing the international retail business until 2020. Foulkes later served as President of Harvard University's Board of Overseers and has held leadership positions in several business and nonprofit organizations. She previously sought the Democratic nomination for Rhode Island governor in 2022. In her 2026 campaign, Foulkes has emphasized expanding affordable housing, improving healthcare access, reducing living costs, creating jobs, and strengthening government accountability. The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 3.
