The Rhode Island Republican primary for the 2nd Congressional District, set for September 9, 2026, pits Victor Mellor against Stephen Skoly as the leading contenders to challenge Democratic incumbent Seth Magaziner. Skoly secured the state GOP endorsement at the June convention after the nominating committee’s recommendation, providing ballot placement advantages and party backing. Mellor, a self-funded candidate who raised over $2.8 million largely through personal contributions, opted against pursuing the endorsement and has emphasized his military background and America First positions. With early voting underway and a televised debate scheduled for early September, the contest remains closely balanced as traders weigh party infrastructure against Mellor’s financial resources and limited polling data on voter preferences in the low-turnout primary.