Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, recently descended upon Rhode Island to lend her support to Democrat Helena Foulkes in her second bid for the governor's office. The event, a spirited "get-out-the-vote" rally, took place at Farm Fresh Rhode Island, drawing a crowd of Foulkes supporters eager to hear from the political powerhouse.
Pelosi, who is not seeking reelection after nearly 40 years in Congress, shared memories of her college days with Foulkes' parents, Bernie and the late Martha Dodd Buonanno. Her endorsement of Foulkes, known affectionately as "Helena Grace," comes as Foulkes appears to be leading incumbent Governor Dan McKee by at least 15 points in the final stretch of the campaign.
The former Speaker spoke passionately about the immense responsibilities that governors face in the current political climate, emphasizing the need for Democrats to take back the House in the upcoming midterm elections. She highlighted the Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP, noting the significant burden these cuts place on states like Rhode Island.
"I'm here as a former first woman speaker of the House, but I'm also a former state [Democratic Party] chair, and I know what we have to do to win elections," Pelosi said. "We need to have no wasted time, no underutilized resources, and no regrets the day after an election if we've just done a little bit more."
Foulkes, 62, expressed her own determination to win the race, not just to defeat McKee but to send a broader message to the state. "I don't want to just win this race, okay? I want to crush this. We're going to crush it because we're going to send a message: the state needs to work for everyone in this state, not the powerful few," she declared to a cheering crowd.
The event began with a rousing chant led by Foulkes' director of volunteers, Elisabeth Wales. Pelosi and Foulkes then led the crowd in a chant of "We are Rhode Island," a powerful reminder of the collective spirit of the state.
Pelosi also discussed the importance of protecting elections, a topic of great concern in the current political landscape. She detailed the administration's efforts to undermine elections and the strategies employed to counter these threats, including litigation and legislation to ensure that election members make informed choices.
"I'm just making sure the public knows: Do not be afraid to vote," Pelosi said. "There are probably over a hundred ways that the administration could undermine an election, but we've been doing this for a while. This isn't new."
The endorsement by Pelosi is a significant boost for Foulkes' campaign, as it brings national attention to the race and reinforces the importance of the midterm elections. With Pelosi's backing and a growing lead in the polls, Foulkes is poised to take the governor's office and implement her vision for Rhode Island.
The event at Farm Fresh Rhode Island was not just a political rally but a demonstration of the power of grassroots activism and the importance of strong leadership in times of political turmoil. Pelosi's unwavering support for Foulkes and her commitment to protecting elections serve as a testament to the enduring impact of political icons on the political landscape.
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