Opinion Diagnostics Poll Released for Ken Block
A new survey shows candidate Ken Block leading Helena Foulkes in a hypothetical two-way gubernatorial contest.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
In a crowded gubernatorial race, would you vote for your preferred candidate or a strategic choice?
Opinion Diagnostics conducted a poll surveying 800 likely Rhode Island voters from September 23 to 25, 2026. The results indicate that Ken Block would defeat Helena Foulkes 44 percent to 39 percent in a two-way gubernatorial race.
Why it matters
The poll highlights contrasting voter sentiments between two-way and five-way race scenarios as the gubernatorial election approaches. It provides insight into the current standing of candidates within the competitive Rhode Island political landscape.
In a five-way race, Helena Foulkes holds 41 percent support while Ken Block and Aaron Guckian receive 24 percent and 19 percent, respectively. Aaron Guckian's current standing puts him on track to potentially record the lowest percentage for a GOP nominee since 1856.
The players
Ken Block
He is a gubernatorial candidate who commissioned the poll from Opinion Diagnostics.
Helena Foulkes
She is a gubernatorial candidate who is featured in both two-way and five-way hypothetical race scenarios.
Aaron Guckian
He is a gubernatorial candidate who is polling at 19 percent in the five-way field.
Opinion Diagnostics
This is the research firm that conducted the survey for the Block for Governor campaign.
The details
The survey shows Helena Foulkes with a favorability rating of 42 percent favorable and 43 percent unfavorable. Meanwhile, Ken Block maintains a net favorability of +15, and Aaron Guckian currently holds 62 percent of registered Republican support.
Timeline
The survey was conducted from September 23 to 25, 2026.
A University of New Hampshire poll was released on September 24, 2026.
This report was published on September 29, 2026.
Political Context
The findings reflect broader struggles for Republican candidates in Rhode Island, potentially marking a historical departure from past vote-share baselines last seen in the 1856 gubernatorial election. This decline prompts internal party debate regarding campaign strategies and the viability of candidates in a crowded five-way field.
Voters should be aware of how different candidates currently perform in hypothetical matchups, which may influence campaign messaging and political advertisements leading up to the election. These figures serve as a baseline for citizens to evaluate the current competitiveness of each candidate in the state.
The takeaway
The data suggests that the presence of multiple candidates significantly alters the projected outcome for the gubernatorial seat. Voters can use these polling trends to better understand the potential for shifting party support within the state.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the race, visit the Rhode Island Elections section.
Live Poll
In a crowded gubernatorial race, would you vote for your preferred candidate or a strategic choice?
