A Rhode Island Republican with Carcieri-era roots has announced a 2026 bid for governor, presenting himself as a moderate focused on the state budget and taxes.

He pledges to collaborate with federal authorities to remove felons while prioritizing public safety and avoiding targeting individuals at green-card interviews.

With about 2,177 dollars in his campaign account as of January, he plans to invest roughly ten thousand dollars of his own money to revive the campaign and qualify for public matching funds.

The article notes FitzPatrick is the author and provides contact details for further information.

He argues his dental association work highlights the need to raise reimbursement rates for medical and dental care in Rhode Island and to attract and retain medical talent.

He frames the race as a strategic reset for Rhode Island to tackle economic and governance challenges, citing restaurant closures and talent retention to galvanize support.

He advocates bipartisan problem-solving with subject-matter experts and the use of modern technology to save money and encourage frontline ideas to improve government efficiency.

He emphasizes addressing state problems rather than national debates and contrasts his stance with the McKee administration.

Three Democrats have formally announced candidacies or declarations: Greg Stevens, Governor Dan McKee, and Helena Foulkes.

On policy, he would not sign a current gun-control bill banning new sales of assault-style weapons but would enforce existing laws, and he supports not relitigating Roe v. Wade, believing social issues are settled in Rhode Island.

He previously ran for lieutenant governor in 2022 and lost to Sabina Matos; he may pursue governor, lieutenant governor, or treasurer in 2026, with an official gubernatorial announcement planned for December in Warwick.

He intends to rely on Rhode Island’s matching funds program to compete with well-funded Democrats and lists affordability, healthcare, education, lowering taxes/fees, and competent state government as top priorities.