Ex-NFL cheerleader battles former gubernatorial aide in tight GOP primary race

The Rhode Island Republican primary is a close contest between Elaine Pelino, a former NFL cheerleader and publisher, and Aaron Guckian, a former aide to the governor, highlighting a GOP effort to gain ground in a Democratic-leaning state. Pelino, emphasizing merit-based hiring, law enforcement, and immigration, has a strong populist message, while Guckian focuses on policy, promising to overhaul the state’s permitting process and manage its revenue more effectively. The winner faces an uphill battle in the general election.

• Elaine Pelino and Aaron Guckian are in a close GOP primary race in Rhode Island.
• Pelino, a former NFL cheerleader, focuses on issues like immigration and supporting law enforcement.
• Guckian, a former aide to the governor, emphasizes policy changes to streamline state services and manage finances.
• The GOP aims to win in a state that historically leans Democratic.
• Rhode Island’s current governor, Daniel McKee, won the last election with 57.9% of the vote.
• The winner of the primary will face a challenging general election.