Your monthly support provides voters the knowledge they need to make confident decisions at the polls. Donate today.
Raymond McKay
Raymond McKay (Republican Party) is running for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Rhode Island. He declared candidacy for the general election scheduled on November 3, 2026.[source]
Biography
Raymond McKay was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He served in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1992. He graduated from Hope High School.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: United States Senate election in Rhode Island, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. Senate Rhode Island
Incumbent Jack Reed, Connor Burbridge, Raymond McKay, Allen Waters, and Jon Lindley are running in the general election for U.S. Senate Rhode Island on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Jack Reed (D) | |
 | Connor Burbridge (D)  | |
 | Raymond McKay (R) | |
 | Allen Waters (R) | |
| Jon Lindley (Independent) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2024
See also: United States Senate election in Rhode Island, 2024
General election
General election for U.S. Senate Rhode Island
Incumbent Sheldon Whitehouse defeated Patricia Morgan and Armando Anzoli in the general election for U.S. Senate Rhode Island on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Sheldon Whitehouse (D) | 59.9 | 294,665 |
 | Patricia Morgan (R) | 39.8 | 196,039 | |
| Armando Anzoli (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.3 | 1,244 | ||
| Total votes: 491,948 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Rhode Island
Incumbent Sheldon Whitehouse defeated Michael Costa in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Rhode Island on September 10, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Sheldon Whitehouse | 83.8 | 49,401 |
 | Michael Costa | 16.2 | 9,572 | |
| Total votes: 58,973 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Allen Waters (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. Senate Rhode Island
Patricia Morgan defeated Raymond McKay in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Rhode Island on September 10, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Patricia Morgan | 64.4 | 12,108 |
| Raymond McKay | 35.6 | 6,681 | |
| Total votes: 18,789 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for McKay in this election.
Pledges
McKay signed the following pledges.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Raymond McKay has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Raymond McKay asking him to fill out the survey. If you are Raymond McKay, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?
Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for. More than 23,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.
You can ask Raymond McKay to fill out this survey by using the buttons below or emailing info@mckayforsenate.com.
2024
Raymond McKay completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McKay's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
I worked for 26 years as the network and telecommunications manager for the City of Warwick, overseeing complex operations, infrastructure projects., and writing various budgets, bids, and award recommendations that I presented to the City Council. I worked with the Democrat Controlled City Council to modernize the City’s technology infrastructure.
I served in the United States Army for 11 years, from 1981 – 1992, working on electronic maintenance (21G) for the Pershing Nuclear Missile System in West Germany. As Pershing was retired by the U.S. military, I went to Fort Gordon, Georgia, and trained for a 74F (Programmer). I was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant, and received one Army Commendation medal, three Army Achievement medals, and three good conduct medals during his service.
I have been a member of the Elks Lodge #2285 since 2000. I have been grassroots political activist for more than two decades, has working on local, state, and national campaigns as a boots-on-the-ground volunteer since 2000, and as a campaign manager in select Rhode Island races. My own first run for office was in 1998 for Rhode Island State Senate.- My Right Direction Right Now campaign is a bold call to action that seeks to unify Rhode island's diverse voices behind a common optimistic vision to move us forward securing freedom, values, and prosperity for every Rhode Islander and every American. I want every Rhode Islander to succeed, indeed, to have a seat at the table by being well represented in Washington.
- This race is about Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for 100% of American citizens, not the 10% of the elite.
My Democrat opponent rejects these American rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness which is why it is time for new leadership in Washington.
I was in the United States Army for 11 years; I understand the meaning of service and sacrifice.
I worked for the City of Warwick for 26 years; I understand commitment.
Now my service and commitment lead me to Washington where my sense of duty compels me to protect and defend the principles and values that are fundamental to all Rhode Islanders and Americans.
I am fully capable to provide the new leadership needed in Washington. - We must curb runaway government spending which pushes economic pressure and inflation upon the everyday Rhode Island citizen. We need to strengthen Social Security and Medicare for our senior citizens and those in need. We must remember we are a sovereign nation and secure our borders and enforce our laws. We need to support our veterans and military as we asked so much of them when they are so few. We need to support energy independence through diverse means that are able to sustain themselves without government subsidies, which will lower the cost of goods and help push down inflation. We must defend personal freedoms and our families from government overreach. We must Support American workers who are the backbone of this nation.
2) a safe and secure state and nation,
3) a viable retirement plan for our senior citizens,
4) a well educated American nation,
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Interview with WPRI
McKay highlighted the following themes in an interview with WPRI on August 9, 2024. The questions from WPRI are bolded and McKay's responses follow below.[2]
| “ |
Why do you want to represent Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate? “As a lifelong Rhode Islander, Army Veteran, father, and grandfather, I am deeply concerned about the direction our nation is headed in. From record-breaking inflation rates to record-breaking illegal immigration and conflicts across the world, we need strong, dedicated leadership in the U.S. Senate. “My broad experiences and unwavering dedication to our country inspire me to represent Rhode Island and diligently tackle the critical issues impacting families and future generations across the nation.”
“My extensive military background and professional career uniquely qualify me to represent Rhode Island. I served 11 years in the United States Army, specializing in electronic maintenance for the Pershing Nuclear Missile System in West Germany and training as a computer programmer at Fort Sill and Fort Gordon. “During my service, I achieved the rank of Sergeant and received multiple commendations, including an Army Commendation Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, and three Good Conduct Medals. “This experience instilled in me the discipline, technical expertise, and leadership qualities essential for effective governance. In addition to my military service, I worked for 26 years as the network and telecommunications manager for the City of Warwick, overseeing complex operations and infrastructure projects. “I worked with the Democrat Controlled City Council to modernize the City’s technology infrastructure. I have also been a grassroots political activist for over two decades, contributing to local, state, and national campaigns and serving as president of the Rhode Island Republican Assembly for 10 years. “These diverse experiences have equipped me with the skills and insight needed to address the pressing issues facing our nation and to serve Rhode Island effectively in the U.S. Senate.”
“I see the biggest issue for Rhode Island in the next two years as managing economic recovery from rising inflation and high living costs. We need to focus on policies that boost economic growth, support small businesses, and help working families. “My goal is to champion a strong economic environment that supports job creation and eases financial pressures on our communities.”
“One of Rhode Island’s hidden gems is Little Compton. I’ve traveled there many times and have always been impressed by its beautiful beaches, historic charm, and peaceful atmosphere. “It’s a great example of the unique, lesser-known treasures Rhode Island has to offer.”
“To learn more about my campaign, visit McKayforSenate.com and follow us on all social media platforms for updates and information.”[3] |
” |
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 12, 2024
- ↑ WPRI, “Where They Stand: US Senate candidate Ray McKay,” August 9, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
