**Elaine Pelino leads the Rhode Island Republican gubernatorial primary with strong polling support ahead of the September 9 vote, while Aaron Guckian trails despite securing the state party endorsement at the June convention.** Recent surveys, including a late-August poll showing Pelino at 37% to Guckian’s 17% with nearly half undecided, have reinforced trader views of her advantage in a low-turnout contest. Pelino, a political newcomer emphasizing spending cuts and conservative priorities, has maintained a consistent lead since earlier University of New Hampshire polling. Guckian, who previously ran for lieutenant governor and positions himself on affordability and government efficiency, benefits from party backing and top ballot placement but has not closed the gap in voter surveys. Other declared candidates, including Robert Raimondo, have withdrawn or registered negligible support, narrowing the race to these two contenders. Early voting began in mid-August, leaving limited time for shifts before primary day.