10/13/2026: Instant Analysis - Foulkes has 9-point edge in new 12 News poll; Loughlin, Matos close

A brand-new 12 News/Emerson College poll of Rhode Island voters shows Democrat Helena Foulkes leading independent Ken Block 44% to 35% in the race for governor, and finds a dead heat between John Loughlin and Sabina Matos for lieutenant governor.

In this podcast extra, Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by 12 News political analyst Joe Fleming to break down the poll results in the key statewide and federal races, plus voter views on issues including nuclear energy and data centers, and more. The half-hour special is also available to stream on the free 12+ TV app, YouTube and WPRI.com.