Daniel McKee is the Governor of Rhode Island. He assumed office on March 2, 2021. His current term ends on January 5, 2027. McKee was born in Cumberland, Rhode Island, in 1951. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science and education from Assumption University in 1973 and a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University in 2005. He previously worked for his family's business, McKee Brothers Oil Corp., and owned and operated a health and fitness business. McKee served on the Cumberland Town Council from 1992 to 2001. McKee ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of Cumberland in 1998 but was elected in 2000. McKee served as mayor from 2001 to 2005, losing re-election in 2004. He won again in 2006 and served as mayor until 2014. During his tenure, McKee established Blackstone Valley Prep, becoming the first mayor to lead a school board at a charter school following the enactment of a state law that introduced this practice. McKee was elected lieutenant governor in 2014, defeating Catherine Terry Taylor. He was re-elected in 2018, defeating state Rep. J. Aaron Regunberg in the Democratic primary 51.1% to 48.8% and Paul Pence in the general election. During the COVID-19 pandemic, McKee advocated for giving $125 million in CARES Act funds to assist small businesses with grants up to $10,000, a larger proposal than Gov. Gina Raimondo's plan to spend $50 million with grants as high as $15,000.
