Ever since Gov. Dan McKee stepped into the Governor’s office after former Gov. Gina Raimondo resigned to take the post as U.S. Commerce Secretary the question has been when would he formally announce his bid to run for a full four-year term. 

On Tuesday, at igus, a manufacturing company in East Providence he did just that. 

”Over the last year, we’ve delivered strong leadership in a time of crisis, and going forward, my message to Rhode Island is simple: I’m running for re-election to grow jobs, boost wages, grow our economy, and put money back in your pockets. As we continue to lead our state through a once-in-a-century crisis, our sole focus is delivering an economic rebound for working people,” said McKee. “Rhode Islanders don’t ask for much. They want the security of a good job, with a good wage. They want to know their schools are delivering for their kids. They want a safe home to live in. They want their government to have its finances in order, just like they do. That’s exactly why I’m launching my campaign for re-election: to keep us moving forward with strong leadership, good jobs for hardworking people, support for our small businesses, and a growing economy – for everyone.”

In a press release the McKee campaign touted numerous examples of when McKee “has delivered leadership when Rhode Island needed it most.” 

Those examples include:

#1 in Vaccines Administered:

With over 2 million doses administered statewide, Rhode Island is tied with Vermont for most vaccinations per capita, with 95 percent  of Rhode Islanders receiving at least one shot and 80 percent  fully vaccinated.

Creating New Jobs:

Rhode Island has recovered 86,600 jobs lost during the pandemic, including many  in the hardest-hit sectors like retail, leisure and hospitality (nearly 40,000 jobs). Unemployment is  down to 4.8 percent  in December 2021 from a pandemic-high of 17 percent  in 2020 – one of the largest declines in  the country. 

Supporting Small Businesses:

Small businesses are the lifeblood of Rhode Island’s economy and the McKee administration has – and continues to – support small business owners across the state. A new  grant program last year delivered nearly $18 million in relief to over 3,700 businesses statewide, and  more help is on the way. 

Reopening Responsibly:

Rhode Island is currently ranked number one  in the Northeast – and number nine among all 50  states – on Moody's Back-to-Normal Index, which assesses states' economic recoveries. According to Thumbtack's Small Business Friendliness Survey, Rhode Island was ranked # two  among all 50 states for its  COVID-19 response.

Raising the Minimum Wage:

  Good jobs with good wages are central to Rhode Island’s economic  prosperity today and tomorrow. That’s why Governor McKee signed a bill that will raise the minimum  wage over the next three years to $15 an hour. 

Advancing Pay Equity:

 Every Rhode Islander deserves to be paid equitably for their work, regardless of  what they look like, who they pray to or how they identify as. Working together with state lawmakers,  Governor McKee signed legislation that prohibits wage discrimination. 

Investing in Families and Children:

Governor McKee signed RI Rebounds, a once-in-a-generation, $119  million investment to support small businesses and sectors most impacted by the pandemic; promote  affordable housing and housing stability; and support child care. 

McKee campaign announced that McKee has secured the endorsements from East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva; Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos; North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi; Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt, Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien; Lincoln Town Administrator Phil Gould; Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente, and Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena. 

 “In this unique moment in our history, we must come together – and work together – for the future of our state. Rhode Island families want a leader who will stay focused on the issues – a strong recovery so they can get back to work, better schools so that their children are learning, and great communities where they can raise their families,” said Polisena. “Hardworking families across Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns know that Governor McKee is in their corner, fighting for them, and he deserves to be re-elected to lead our recovery in the years ahead.”

Since McKee is finishing less than half of Raimondo’s term he is eligible to serve up to two full-terms as governor. 

Other contenders 

Aside from McKee, the Democratic field currently includes Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, former Secretary of State Matt Brown, and Dr. Luis Daniel Muñoz. 

General Treasurer Seth Magaziner previously announced his candidacy for Governor, however, he dropped out shortly after Congressman Jim Langevin announced that he wouldn’t be seeking re-election. Magaziner is one of numerous contenders in the 2nd Congressional District race.