Aaron
C. Guckian

WPRI reported that Foulkes, Guckian, and Block had all agreed to a debate hosted by 12 News, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Rhode Island College on October 20.

At the televised debate, Guckian turned the tables on Block by urging him to drop out of the race, producing a clash between the two non-Democratic candidates.

Guckian called himself 'a compassionate conservative' and said he was 'the only person on the stage that can work with the federal government.' Exchanges covered housing, energy, education, abortion, and immigration enforcement.

Guckian's spokesperson told News From The States that an addendum would be submitted to detail in-kind donations related to travel costs; the sources did not establish any official finding of wrongdoing.

Reporting described Guckian as 'low on cash and altitude' compared to Foulkes and Block, with only $7,273.99 cash on hand as of his latest filing.

Guckian's campaign-finance filing for Sept. 2–Oct. 5 showed $6,914.66 in contributions, $12,167.16 in spending, and $7,273.99 cash on hand, but did not disclose who paid for the Florida trip or the value of a private-plane leg.

Guckian missed another Rhode Island forum after being delayed at a rental-car counter at JFK Airport on his return. His spokesperson could not confirm endorsements or fundraising gains from the Florida trip.

In a public statement, Guckian reaffirmed he would remain in the race and outlined priorities including infrastructure, housing, health care, veterans, and proposals he called Rhode Island Works Smarter and Patriots Village.

The Providence Journal reported the endorsement, noting it was unclear whether Mellon had donated to the campaign or what connection he had to Rhode Island.

Guckian missed a Rhode Island debate while traveling to Florida for a fundraiser for a local legislative candidate, hoping to attract donors and endorsements including from Eric and Lara Trump and Byron Donalds, none of whom attended.

Guckian publicly rejected calls from Block to withdraw and make way for a two-way race against Democrat Helena Foulkes.

Block's poll showed Foulkes leading a three-way race 41%–24%–19%, and Block ahead in a hypothetical two-way matchup. Guckian questioned the poll's credibility and said he would not drop out.

A state elections spokesperson said it was too late to remove Guckian from the ballot after overseas and military ballots had already been sent.

A University of New Hampshire survey of 598 likely voters (conducted Sept. 17–21) showed Guckian in third place, though he held 29% among independents and 42% among Republicans.

Multiple outlets reported Guckian's confirmed nomination following the Board of Elections certification, with primary turnout exceeding 20%.

The board's reread of electronic election-night data produced no change in the result, and Guckian was officially certified as the GOP nominee.

The Board of Elections agreed to conduct a recount/reread of the Republican gubernatorial primary results.

Guckian defeated Elaine Pelino in the Republican primary by an initial unofficial margin of 271 votes, later certified at 259 votes.