Rhode Island voters are gearing up for the U.S. Senate election after months of anticipation. Democratic incumbent Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is facing a primary challenge from Mike Costa, a former Republican candidate who switched to the Democratic party. Despite a substantial financial advantage for Whitehouse, Costa has invested $200,000 of his personal funds into his campaign, with over $50,000 allocated for broadcast advertising before the primary.
On the Republican side, state Rep. Patricia Morgan stands out as the only Senate candidate to have secured radio and television ads. Morgan, who previously served as minority leader in the state House, is up against Ray McKay in the Senate primary.
In the congressional arena, Democratic congressmen in Rhode Island, Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner, are both set to run uncontested in their primaries, unlike the competitive races they faced in the past. Amo won last year’s primary facing a crowded field of competitors, whereas this year, he is not being challenged for his seat.
Rhode Island’s state primaries are to be held on Tuesday, with polls closing at 8 p.m. ET. The Associated Press will cover and declare winners in contested primaries for U.S. Senate, state Senate and House, as well as mayoral primaries in Cranston, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket.
Voters registered with a political party are only allowed to participate in their party’s primary. Independent or unaffiliated voters have the flexibility to engage in any primary. Turnout is a significant factor, with the primary races offering insights into the political landscape of the state.
The total number of registered voters in Rhode Island as of August 1 is approximately 775,000. Of these, 38% are Democrats, 14% Republicans, and 47% are independent or unaffiliated. With a total of 15,165 ballots cast as of September 5, voter engagement appears to be active leading up to the primaries.
After the primary, attention will shift to the general election in November, set to take place in 56 days from Tuesday. Rhode Island’s political future is on the line as voters head to the polls to determine the candidates who will compete in the U.S. Senate race and other significant contests.
