Rhode Island Republican Governor nominee?
6dAaron Guckian is now the front-runner at 72%, with a 36-point lead over the prior leader.
72%
Republican
Aaron Guckian
Republican candidate for Governor in Rhode Island
Republican
Rhode Island Republican Governor nominee?
$15.5K
SEP 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — Rhode Island Republican Governor nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
16%chance to win
$15.5KSEP 9, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleTrade association executive
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyModerate Republican
LocationRhode Island
BackgroundTrade association executive
Show moreShow less
EducationJohnson & Wales University (MBA)
Notable personal detailsAaron C. Guckian is a Rhode Island Republican candidate for governor in the 2026 election cycle and the party’s 2022 nominee for lieutenant governor. He has worked as a trade association executive, including as executive director of the Rhode Island Dental Association, and has held local public-service roles including chair of the Warwick Sewer Authority. He has also been involved in fundraising and nonprofit work in Rhode Island.
SourcesShowHide
aaronforri.comrhodeislandcurrent.compbn.comridental.orgri.govwarwickpost.comen.wikipedia.orglinkedin.combostonglobe.compolitics1.combusiness.sos.ri.govontheissues.orgnga.orgthegreenpapers.comlines.comathletics.amherst.eduelections.ri.govbgrdc.comrilegislature.govyahoo.comgocolalprov.comoceanstatemedia.orgleviathanencyclopedia.comriaclu.orgbostonglobe-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.comsuperiorcomfortinc.comnewportclassical.orgprofittone.comsummeriinfant.comcauseiq.comeduniche.comlcrigop.orgprovidencejournal.comreutersconnect.comwpri.comturnto10.comfacebook.comivoterguide.cominstagram.comx.comballotready.orghistory.house.govsenate.govcommerce.senate.govclerk.house.govgovinfo.govjustfacts.votesmart.orgfec.govwhitehouse.senate.govcongress.govdocquery.fec.gov
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Aaron Guckian emphasizes restoring affordability by addressing Rhode Island’s tax structure and reducing fees; he frames government inefficiency as a driver of high costs and proposes improving government efficiency and tax structure to ease burdens on the middle class. His public messaging calls for fiscal discipline and using savings from efficiency improvements to lower taxes and fees.
Healthcare
Aaron Guckian has emphasized addressing Rhode Island’s health-care problems through bipartisan problem‑solving, improving reimbursement rates for medical and dental care, attracting and retaining medical professionals, and using technology and frontline incentives to reduce costs. He has not published a detailed, specific policy platform (e.g., support for Medicare for All, a public option, or explicit market‑first reforms) in the sources located. The available statements are general and focus on administrative and workforce improvements rather than clear ideological healthcare reforms.
Show moreShow less
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate says abortion rights in Rhode Island are settled policy and does not seek to change existing state law protecting abortion access. He has declined to make new proposals to restrict abortion while focusing his campaign on other issues.
Climate & Energy
Advocates replacing renewable-energy mandates with what he calls “practical clean energy,” favors increased competition in energy markets and electric-grid modernization, and opposes policies that he says raise energy costs while saying wind projects already under construction should not be halted.
Latest Candidate Updates
Recent changes in prediction-market odds, polling and campaign status.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Aaron Guckian is drawing attention in Rhode Island’s Republican governor race, where party leaders have endorsed him and a new super PAC has formed to support him if he wins the primary. Recent polling cited in reports shows him trailing Elaine Pelino in the GOP primary, even as fundraising and outside support remain active. Earlier coverage also said he was ahead of Pelino in a separate Rhode Island Republican fundraising roundup.
aaronforri.com+50
Articles
TBThe Boston Globe4 months ago
In R.I.’s most competitive campaigns, who’s leading the money race?
Positive
TBThe Boston Globe1 month ago
Republican candidate for R.I. governor Guckian backed by Super PAC
Neutral
TBThe Boston Globe2 months ago
R.I. Republican delegates endorse Guckian for governor
Positive
TBThe Boston Globe2 months ago
R.I. Governor McKee’s hometown Democratic committee endorses his opponent
Neutral
Latest Polls
Rhode Island Republican Governor nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Aaron Guckian currently averages 17.0%, ranking second in this race, 22.5 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 17.0%Position: secondMargin: -22.5 ptsLatest poll: 17.0% (Aug 3 - 11)Polls included: 2
Average recalculated from polls through Aug 3 - 11.
Polling Average
50%40%30%20%10%0%
17%
39.5%
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
1Rhode Island Republican Governor nominee?
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising