Ex-NFL cheerleader battles former gubernatorial aide in tight GOP primary race
Rhode Island GOP Gubernatorial Primary Sees a Tight Contest Between Former Cheerleader‑Publisher and Former Governor’s Aide
By Maine News Now
The Republican primary for Rhode Island’s governorship is still undecided early Thursday, with the race between Elaine Pelino and Aaron Guckian remaining too close to call. The contest has drawn attention because the state has historically leaned Democratic, and the GOP is keen to field a candidate who can win the November general election.
Who’s Running?
Elaine Pelino – A former cheerleader for the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans), Pelino has a varied background that includes modeling, media work, and founding the now‑defunct Tigress magazine in 2011. She positions herself as the party‑line candidate and has emphasized merit‑based hiring, support for law enforcement, immigration enforcement, and school choice.
Aaron Guckian – The former aide to former Governor Donald Carcieri, Guckian is a centrist who stresses a policy‑centric platform. His focus is on overhauling Rhode Island’s permitting system, improving public service delivery, and tightening the use of state revenue.
Campaign Themes
Pelino’s platform centers on “merit‑based hiring” and a hard‑line stance on immigration. During a recent forum she said, “I’m learning. Everything is a learning curve because I’m not a lifetime politician. I’m here because I love Rhode Island. And I want them to have a great life. I want them to live in a prosperous and safe place. We should get all the illegals out of here.” She also pledged to champion law enforcement and school choice.
Guckian, in contrast, has highlighted fiscal discipline. He cited the state’s budget growth as a primary concern, noting that the budget has risen from $9.3 billion in 2019 to over $14 billion projected for 2024‑2026—a nearly 50% increase in five years—“even as federal COVID relief dollars are expiring.” He argued that “Rhode Island made a critical mistake. We built permanent commitments on temporary federal money.” His agenda calls for reforms to the permitting system and tighter management of public funds.
Both candidates stress experience and qualifications, but they differ in how they interpret that experience. Pelino’s diverse background is framed as broad skill‑sets for governance, while Guckian’s former role in the administration is presented as insider knowledge of state operations.
Political Context
The primary comes after a recent gubernatorial race that saw Democratic incumbent Daniel McKee win 57.9% of the vote to Republican challenger Ashley Kalus’s 38.9%. McKee’s victory reaffirmed Rhode Island’s Democratic lean. Republican strategists hope that either Pelino or Guckian can appeal to moderate voters and swing the state in a traditionally blue electorate.
The outcome of the primary will set the stage for the November 3 general election, where the chosen Republican will face McKee in a contest that has been described as an uphill battle. The state’s political analysts note that the GOP’s choice will hinge not only on policy positions but also on how convincingly each candidate can portray themselves as a bridge between the party’s base and the broader Rhode Island electorate.
Key Issues and Numbers
- Budget Growth: $9.3 billion in 2019 to >$14 billion projected for 2024‑2026.
- COVID Relief: Federal funds tied to the budget are set to expire, raising questions about long‑term fiscal sustainability.
- Immigration: Pelino calls for stricter enforcement; Guckian does not foreground this issue.
- Permitting System: Guckian pledges overhaul to cut red tape and speed energy projects.
What to Watch
The primary remains too close to call by early Thursday, meaning that both campaigns will likely intensify outreach as the filing deadline approaches. Polls, if any, will need to be consulted for a clearer picture of voter intent. Meanwhile, the Republican Party is expected to rally around a single candidate once the primary concludes, but the path to securing the nomination is still contested.
Maine News Now will continue to monitor the campaign’s developments, offering updates as the primary progresses and as the general election draws nearer.