In a significant political move, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a high-profile appearance in Rhode Island to endorse Helena Foulkes, her college roommate's daughter, in her bid for the state's governorship. The event, held on August 30, 2026, at Farm Fresh Rhode Island, served as a "get-out-the-vote" rally, attracting a large crowd of Foulkes supporters.
Pelosi, who is not seeking reelection after nearly four decades in Congress, recounted a personal history with Foulkes' family, sharing anecdotes from 60 years ago when she and her husband, Paul, double-dated with Foulkes' parents, Bernie and Martha Dodd Buonanno. She highlighted Foulkes, known as "Helena Grace," who is currently leading incumbent Governor Dan McKee in the polls by at least 15 points.
Discussing the challenges facing the state under the Trump administration and a compliant GOP-led Congress, Pelosi emphasized the crucial role of governors in safeguarding against federal budget cuts that have hit programs like Medicaid and Medicare. She spoke passionately about the need for a values-based leader in the state, someone she described as "courageous enough to make the decisions."
Pelosi's endorsement came with a clear message of responsibility and unity. She pointed out that federal budget cuts, which have taken a significant toll on state finances, have put added pressure on states to support their citizens. "They take a trillion dollars out of Medicaid. Shocking. They take a half a trillion dollars out of Medicare, hundreds of billions of dollars out of SNAP... food out of the mouths of babies to give tax cuts to the wealthiest people in our country," Pelosi said.
The speaker emerita also discussed the importance of election protection, noting that the administration could undermine elections in numerous ways, and that efforts to protect the electoral process were ongoing. Pelosi emphasized the need for litigation, legislation, and public awareness campaigns to ensure fair and secure elections.
During the rally, Foulkes expressed her determination to win the race, not just to win, but to "crush it." She emphasized her commitment to making the state work for everyone, not just the powerful few. "This is us taking the state back," she declared, to the cheering crowd.
The event began with a rousing chant led by Foulkes' director of volunteers, Elisabeth Wales. Pelosi and Wales led the crowd in a chant echoing McKee's assertion that "I am the state of Rhode Island," but instead, they chanted "We are Rhode Island" three times.
Following the rally, Pelosi and her husband planned to dine in Providence before heading to Martha's Vineyard for a strategy session on election protection. Pelosi highlighted the importance of litigation, winning court cases, and legislation to secure the electoral process, emphasizing that these efforts were not new but had been ongoing for a while.
The endorsement of Helena Foulkes by Nancy Pelosi represents a significant boost for her campaign and serves as a testament to the enduring political bond between the two women. It also underscores the importance of the gubernatorial race in Rhode Island, as the state grapples with the challenges of federal budget cuts and seeks to elect a leader who will fight for its citizens.
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