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Aaron C. Guckian

Republican candidate for Governor, Rhode Island · Open seat

Former executive director of the Rhode Island Dental Association; has also worked in banking, nonprofit fundraising and teaching

Aaron Guckian is a Republican from East Greenwich and the Republican nominee for governor of Rhode Island in 2026. He ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2022 and announced his run for governor on December 1, 2025. He ran against Elaine Pelino in the Republican primary, and on November 3 he faces Democrat Helena Buonanno Foulkes and independent Ken Block, among others.

Where Guckian stands

Housing: Opposes Foulkes' plan to build housing with money from a tax on millionaires, saying more spending does not work. Proposes a veterans' housing village and a 'permitting czar' to cut red tape.
Housing mandates: Supports cutting red tape that holds back affordable housing. Says he does not believe in state mandates.
Taxes: Proposes repealing the so-called 'Taylor Swift tax' on second homes.
Truck tolls: Opposes bringing back Rhode Island's truck tolls.
Energy: Proposes working with the Trump administration on advanced energy, including a commission to study fusion and small modular reactors. Calls for building a new natural gas pipeline right away.
Federal relations: Says he is the only candidate who can bring in federal money, because he would work with the Trump administration.
State spending: Proposes a 'Rhode Island Works Smarter' plan to reduce state spending. It would have frontline and union workers identify savings and would speed up permitting.
Surveillance cameras: Has raised concerns about Flock license plate cameras used by police, but has not called for shutting them off.

Background

Republican nominee for Governor of Rhode Island, 2026
Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, 2022 (lost)
Executive director, Rhode Island Dental Association (stepped down before the 2026 campaign)
Head of fundraising, Rhode Island Foundation
Several jobs in banking
Music teacher, North Kingstown High School; former opera singer
Aide to Rhode Island's last Republican governor
Played college basketball; East Greenwich native

In the news

Foulkes, Guckian and Block debate housing, health care in final televised matchup NBC 10 WJAR, October 20, 2026
Community Focus: Aaron Guckian for RI governor WPRI 12, October 19, 2026
Rhode Island gubernatorial candidates clash as Guckian urges Block to withdraw NBC 10 WJAR, October 8, 2026
Foulkes, Guckian, Block spar over housing, Morales, abortion in NBC 10 debate NBC 10 WJAR, October 7, 2026

Also running for Governor

Helena Buonanno Foulkes Democratic
Ken Block Independent

Sources

Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.