Former NFL cheerleader and ex-aide face off in close Rhode Island GOP primary

Elaine Pelino, a former NFL cheerleader and magazine publisher running as the party’s standard-bearer, and Aaron Guckian, once an aide to former Gov. Donald Carcieri and the more moderate contender, were separated by too little to call in the Rhode Island GOP primary by early Thursday morning. Their contest has focused heavily on experience and credentials as Republicans look for someone who can win in a state that has long leaned Democratic.

In the most recent election, Daniel McKee, then the Democratic nominee and now Rhode Island’s governor, defeated Republican Ashley Kalus by a 57.9% to 38.9% margin. That result underscored the challenge facing the eventual GOP nominee in the general election.

Pelino has campaigned on merit-based hiring, backing law enforcement, stricter immigration enforcement and school choice. Speaking at a candidate forum, she said she was still learning but was motivated by a desire to help Rhode Island families and improve safety and prosperity in the state.

Before entering politics, Pelino built a varied career that included modeling, media work and a stint as a cheerleader for the Houston Oilers, the team that later became the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. She also launched Tigress magazine in 2011, which produced 12 issues.

Guckian has emphasized policy and management, calling for changes to Rhode Island’s permitting process, better government services and tighter control over state spending. He has argued that the state’s budget expansion has been excessive and pointed to growth from $9.3 billion in 2019 to more than $14 billion between 2024 and 2026.

“Rhode Island made a critical mistake. We built permanent commitments on temporary federal money,” Guckian said on his campaign website. The winner of the primary will face a steep climb in the Nov. 3 general election.