PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Democratic Gov. Dan McKee has defeated Republican challenger Ashley Kalus to win his first full term in office.

McKee is a former lieutenant governor who became the state’s chief executive in March 2021 when two-term Gov. Gina Raimondo was tapped as U.S. commerce secretary.

He was the heavy favorite in the liberal state as both a Democrat and incumbent, who was endorsed by a host of large unions.

Kalus is a business owner and political novice who moved to the state last year.

Like Democrats nationwide, McKee worked to keep abortion rights front and center in the campaign and convince voters that he would champion reproductive rights.