GoLocal’s Snap Shot — A Look at Gov’s Race, Right Track, and Superman Funding
GoLocalProv - Snap Shot Survey
GoLocal’s Snap Shot — A Look at Gov’s Race, Right Track, and Superman Funding
GoLocal launched this research survey tool to gain insights into the biggest issues facing the state.
The questions range from, "Is Rhode Island headed in the right direction," to the most important issue facing the state, to an early look at the 2026 governor’s race.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSnap Shot is a survey — it is not a political poll.
"We are excited to provide insights on issues facing Rhode Islanders on an almost real-time basis. Snap Shot allows Rhode Islanders the opportunity to give feedback on issues, ideas, and candidates," said Josh Fenton, CEO and co-founder of GoLocal.
GoLocal selected approximately 9,100 random emails from the tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders who are signed up for GoLocal's eblast. The number that fully completed the survey was 457 (completed eight or more of the questions).
On Wednesday, we emailed them ten questions — four of which were demographic questions and six were focused on the perception of how Rhode Islanders view some of the biggest issues.
We reminded those who had not responded on Thursday, and on Sunday, we closed the poll to responses. The respondents were self-selecting.
Here are the results:
Right Direction or Wrong Track
The vast majority of Rhode Islanders who responded believe Rhode Island is on the wrong track. More than 80% responded "wrong track" and less than 10% said Rhode Island is going in the "right direction."
Most Important Issue
The issue identified by Rhode Islanders as being the most important was "political corruption/public integrity," with more than 21% selecting it.
The economy was ranked second.
Nearly tied for third was "roads, highways, and bridges" with "housing" — both responses were selected by about 11% respectively.
Two issues few identified as being areas of concern were "homelessness" at just 3% and "jobs" at less than 2%.
Governor's Race
This initial Snap Shot shows that Governor Dan McKee has a lot of work to do. McKee, who has been in the public eye as a statewide candidate as Rhode Island's Lt. Governor and Governor, has little support in this survey.
Now, the results should be taken with a number of cautions. First, the three candidates offered to respondents are all potentially Democrats, although they could clearly decide to run as an independent. In addition, as of yet, there are no emerging Republican candidates. Thus, none were included.
Two other learning candidates, Helena Foulkes, who lost in the Democratic primary to McKee in 2022 by less than 4,000 votes, showed strength. And, the 42% wanted someone other than McKee, Foulkes or Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi.
Public Funding for Minor League Soccer Stadium
Despite all the positive press surrounding the opening of the minor league soccer stadium in Pawtucket on Saturday, the vast majority of those responding were opposed to the public financing of the stadium. Approximately 77% opposed the financing structure.
Superman
The majority of those responding to the Snap Shot opposed any additional public funding for the Superman Building's redevelopment. A little more than 60% are opposed, 20% are not sure, and just 18% favor additional funds.
Demographics
Those responding to the survey were above-average educated. And politically, most identified as unaffiliated.
The median age was 50.7 years, and the most selected family income segment was $150,000 a year.
Those responding were more male than female, 54%-46%.
First published 5/5/2025 7:26 AM