Rhode Island Governor McKee Parts With Campaign Manager After Less Than Three Months

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and his campaign manager Rob Silverstein have mutually parted ways less than three months after Silverstein's early June hire. The campaign issued a brief statement emphasizing their mutual good wishes and McKee's continued focus on serving Rhode Island and running a strong reelection campaign amid low approval ratings and stiff competition. Silverstein, formerly deputy campaign manager for New York Governor Kathy Hochul, declined to comment on the departure. Political analysts suggest that McKee's campaign appears dysfunctional and that the governor's firm vision for the campaign may have clashed with Silverstein's strategy. McKee faces formidable primary challengers, including former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, who has significantly outpaced him in fundraising, as well as potential candidates House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Attorney General Peter Neronha. The departure raises concerns about McKee's ability to close the widening fundraising and polling gaps ahead of the September 2026 Democratic primary.