RI-GOV: Tall order for R.I. GOP? Aaron Guckian enters governor's race focused on moderation and compassion.

Much like his resume, Republican Aaron Guckian’s gubernatorial campaign kickoff featured a little bit of everything: An operatic rendition of the first line of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” aphorisms from President Dwight D. Eisenhower, fist pumps and multiple references to “compassionate conservatism.”

“Compassion is strength, not weakness,” Guckian, told the crowd of supporters gathered at Brewed Awakenings Coffee House in Warwick Monday morning. “That’s the Rhode Island I believe in, one where families can afford to live and work, where compassion meets common sense, and where every child growing up here, the American Dream is still within reach right here in the Ocean State.”

Guckian, 49, of East Greenwich is the sixth candidate — three Democrats and three Republicans – to enter the 2026 governor’s race. Though he’s never held elected office, the self-described “middle of the road Republican” has played a prominent role in state politics and policy for decades, including as special assistant to Gov. Don Carcieri.

Throughout his kickoff speech Monday, Guckian frequently invoked his former State House boss and mentor Carcieri, who led the state for two terms from 2003 to 2011 and was the last Republican to hold the governor’s seat in Rhode Island.




https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/01/tall-order-for-r-i-gop-aaron-guckian-enters-governors-race-focused-on-moderation-and-compassion/