--- title: "Reed vs. McKay: 2026 Rhode Island Senate race" url: "https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-senate-ri" updated: "2026-09-10" source: "Candidates' campaign sites and Ballotpedia, quoted verbatim" publisher: "Pluribus" --- # 2026 Rhode Island Senate race: Jack Reed (D) vs. Raymond McKay (R) Rating: Safe D · Election: November 3, 2026 · Ballot checked: October 9, 2026 · Positions captured: September 10, 2026 The 2026 Rhode Island U.S. Senate general election features long-serving Democratic incumbent Jack Reed against Republican nominee Raymond McKay following primary elections on September 9, 2026. Reed, who has served in the Senate since 1997 and serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is seeking re-election after securing 76.8% of the Democratic primary vote. McKay, a U.S. Army veteran and former municipal telecommunications manager, advanced unopposed from the Republican primary. ## Candidates - **Jack Reed** (Democrat) · [Campaign site](https://www.jackreed.com/) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jack_Reed) - **Raymond McKay** (Republican) · [Campaign site](https://www.mckayforussenate.com/) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Raymond_McKay) ## Issues ### Economy, Taxes, and Federal Spending Salience: high McKay demands sharp reductions in federal spending to combat inflation, while Reed has backed federal spending and investment bills like the Inflation Reduction Act. **Jack Reed:** Supports targeted investment and tax relief Reed has supported Democratic legislative efforts focused on economic recovery, infrastructure funding, and clean energy investments. He voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, while opposing the 2025 Republican reconciliation bill. - Voted against the 2025 Republican reconciliation act (H.R. 1) and budget resolution (H.Con.Res. 14). - Voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. - Supported the No Tax on Tips Act (S. 129) and Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. **Raymond McKay:** Curb runaway federal government spending McKay prioritizes managing economic recovery from inflation and high living costs by curbing runaway federal spending. He signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, promising to oppose tax increases while focusing on small business growth and easing financial burdens on working families. - Curb runaway federal spending to alleviate inflation and pressure on taxpayers. - Signed the Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayer Protection Pledge. - Support small businesses and job creation to foster economic growth. > “We must curb runaway government spending which pushes economic pressure and inflation upon the everyday Rhode Island citizen.” > — Raymond McKay, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Raymond_McKay) > “I see the biggest issue for Rhode Island in the next two years as managing economic recovery from rising inflation and high living costs.” > — Raymond McKay, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Raymond_McKay) ### Immigration and Border Security Salience: high McKay emphasizes strict law enforcement and border closure based on national sovereignty, while Reed supported the 2024 bipartisan border bill but opposed the Laken Riley Act. **Jack Reed:** Supports border funding and targeted enforcement Reed supported bipartisan border legislation aimed at enhancing capabilities at the U.S. border. However, he voted against mandatory detention measures under the Laken Riley Act and voted to dismiss the impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. - Voted for the bipartisan Border Act of 2024 (S. 4361). - Voted against the Laken Riley Act (S. 5). - Voted to dismiss both impeachment articles against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. **Raymond McKay:** Secure borders and enforce laws McKay views illegal immigration as a major national crisis that requires strict border security and firm law enforcement. He emphasizes national sovereignty as a core principle for immigration policy. - Secure national borders and enforce existing immigration laws. - Treat border security as a fundamental requirement of national sovereignty. > “We must remember we are a sovereign nation and secure our borders and enforce our laws.” > — Raymond McKay, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Raymond_McKay) > “From record-breaking inflation rates to record-breaking illegal immigration and conflicts across the world, we need strong, dedicated leadership in the U.S. Senate.” > — Raymond McKay, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Raymond_McKay) ### National Defense and Foreign Policy Salience: medium Reed relies on his decades-long leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee to direct defense policy, while McKay draws on his 11 years of active-duty Army service to demand stronger military support. **Jack Reed:** Strengthen defense readiness and foreign assistance Reed serves as Ranking Member and former Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, authoring annual defense authorization bills. He supports maintaining strong international alliances and voted for emergency supplemental security funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. - Serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. - Voted for National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) for Fiscal Years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2026. - Voted for emergency supplemental appropriations providing military and economic aid to Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. **Raymond McKay:** Support military strength and global leadership McKay leverages his 11-year service in the U.S. Army to advocate for strong national security and dedicated military leadership amidst international conflicts. He served in electronic maintenance for the Pershing Nuclear Missile System in West Germany and as a programmer. - Served 11 years in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant. - Emphasizes military preparedness and strong leadership to manage international conflicts. > “We need to support our veterans and military as we asked so much of them when they are so few.” > — Raymond McKay, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Raymond_McKay) ### Energy and Environment Salience: medium McKay advocates for market-driven energy independence without government subsidies, whereas Reed has voted for massive federal climate and clean energy subsidies. **Jack Reed:** Invest in clean energy infrastructure Reed supports federal investments to address climate change and transition to clean energy. He voted for $369 billion in energy security and climate investments under the Inflation Reduction Act and earned the endorsement of Clean Water Action. - Endorsed by Clean Water Action in 2026. - Voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376). - Voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684). **Raymond McKay:** Unsubsidized market-based energy independence McKay supports achieving energy independence through diverse energy sources that do not rely on federal government subsidies. He argues that market-sustained energy will lower consumer costs and reduce inflation. - Promote energy independence through diverse energy sources. - Require energy sectors to sustain themselves without government subsidies. > “We need to support energy independence through diverse means that are able to sustain themselves without government subsidies, which will lower the cost of goods and help push down inflation.” > — Raymond McKay, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Raymond_McKay) ### Veterans Affairs Salience: medium Both candidates prioritize military veterans, with Reed pointing to his legislative record on the PACT Act and VA appropriations, and McKay highlighting his personal background as an Army veteran. **Jack Reed:** Expand healthcare access for toxic exposure Reed utilizes his position on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs to fund veteran services. He voted for the landmark PACT Act of 2022 to expand health benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic substances. - Serves on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. - Voted for the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (S. 3373). **Raymond McKay:** Expand support and resources for veterans As an Army veteran, McKay emphasizes the nation's duty to support its military veterans. His campaign is endorsed by Veterans for America First – Georgia. - Highlight military veteran support as a core priority. - Endorsed by Veterans for America First – Georgia. > “We need to support our veterans and military as we asked so much of them when they are so few.” > — Raymond McKay, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Raymond_McKay) ### Governance and Congressional Reform Salience: medium McKay advocates for constitutional term limits on federal lawmakers, while Reed leverages 29 years of Senate seniority to advance policy. **Jack Reed:** Promote government transparency and public service Reed emphasizes institutional legislative effectiveness and government transparency, voting by unanimous consent for the Epstein Files Transparency Act. He leverages nearly three decades of Senate seniority to hold key committee posts. - Has served 29 years in the U.S. Senate. - Voted for the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405). **Raymond McKay:** Enact term limits and curb overreach McKay strongly advocates for constitutional term limits for members of Congress. He also advocates for greater financial transparency in government spending and defending parental rights over government intervention. - Enact term limits of two terms for U.S. Senators and four terms for U.S. Representatives. - Increase government financial transparency and accountability for national debt. - Protect personal freedoms and parental rights against government overreach. > “Term Limits should be imposed on both chambers of Congress as was done with the President. Two terms for the Senate, and four terms the House of Representatives.” > — Raymond McKay, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Raymond_McKay) > “The government serves the people, the people do not serve the government.” > — Raymond McKay, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Raymond_McKay) ### Social Security and Senior Care Salience: low Both candidates support protecting senior safety nets, with McKay making general calls to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, and Reed voting for the Social Security Fairness Act. **Jack Reed:** Protect and expand Social Security benefits Reed voted for the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, which reduced benefit offsets for individuals receiving state or local government pensions. - Voted for the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R. 82). **Raymond McKay:** Strengthen Social Security and Medicare McKay calls for strengthening Social Security and Medicare to guarantee a viable retirement plan for senior citizens and individuals in need. - Strengthen Social Security and Medicare programs. - Ensure viable retirement plans for senior citizens. > “We need to strengthen Social Security and Medicare for our senior citizens and those in need.” > — Raymond McKay, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Raymond_McKay) ### Abortion and Reproductive Rights Salience: medium **Jack Reed:** Codify reproductive and IVF rights Reed advocates for federal legal protections for abortion access and fertility treatments. He voted in favor of the Women's Health Protection Act to prevent state-level abortion bans and supported the Right to IVF Act. - Voted for the Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 (H.R. 3755). - Voted for the Right to IVF Act (S. 4445). **Raymond McKay:** No documented position in our sources ### Gun Control and Public Safety Salience: low **Jack Reed:** Enact firearm safety regulations Reed supports federal regulation of firearms and public safety measures. He voted for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 and opposed a Congressional Review Act resolution seeking to block ATF stabilizing brace rules. - Voted for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938). - Voted against H.J.Res. 44 to preserve ATF regulation of firearm stabilizing braces. **Raymond McKay:** No documented position in our sources ## Polls and markets _Updated Oct 31._ - Latest poll: WPRI/Emerson, Oct 11, 800 LV, Reed +34.0 — Reed 59%, McKay 25% - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/rhode-island-senate-election-winner) — Rhode Island Senate Election Winner: Democrats 98.8%, Republicans 1.3% - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/rhode-island-democratic-senate-primary-winner) — Rhode Island Democratic Senate Primary Winner: Democrats 100.0% - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/rhode-island-republican-senate-primary-winner) — Rhode Island Republican Senate Primary Winner: Republicans 100.0% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/SENATERI-26) — Rhode Island Senate winner?: Jack Reed 99.3%, Raymond McKay 1.5% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/KXSENATERIR-26) — Rhode Island Republican Senate nominee?: Raymond McKay 99.8%, Allen Waters 0.1% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/KXSENATERID-26) — Rhode Island Democratic Senate nominee?: Jack Reed 99.5%, Connor Burbridge 0.1% [View this race on 2026election.com](https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-senate-ri)