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New Hampshire and Rhode Island state primaries
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
New Hampshire and Rhode Island hold state primaries Sept. 8-9.
Results may reshape state politics and signal voter mood before November.
Background
New Hampshire's primary includes a Republican U.S. Senate race with two former senators, while Rhode Island's Democratic governor primary features a rematch between Gov. Dan McKee and Helena Foulkes. These races are part of the 2026 midterm elections and could indicate broader political trends.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2, 2026Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee pledges $16 million for Medicaid primary care reimbursements if reelected, alongside release of a rate review.
- Sep 6, 2026WCVB previews the New Hampshire and Rhode Island primaries, noting the GOP Senate race features two former senators.
- Sep 7, 2026AP Decision Notes for New Hampshire primary released, detailing absentee ballot history and voter registration numbers.
- Sep 8, 2026New Hampshire primary held, including U.S. Senate and House races.
- Sep 9, 2026Rhode Island primary held, including Democratic gubernatorial primary between McKee and Foulkes.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Gov. Dan McKee says his $16 million Medicaid proposal will make Rhode Island more competitive in attracting physicians.
- Analysts
- AP notes that about 8% of Democratic primary ballots in recent years were absentee, and voter registration includes many undeclared voters.
- Public
- New Hampshire GOP primary voters seem fine with the two older former senators running for the open seat.