Cumberland Mayor Dan McKee has been elected Rhode Island lieutenant governor despite opposition from some labor groups that traditionally support Democrats.
The six-term mayor defeated Republican Catherine Taylor in Tuesday's vote. McKee was opposed by some unions because of his support for "mayoral academy" charter schools, including Blackstone Valley Prep.
The 63-year-old McKee said he would use the office to boost the economy and improve the business climate. He campaigned in every city and town in Rhode Island on a "39 Cups of Coffee" tour designed to highlight small business.
McKee had scored an upset victory to secure the nomination in a three-way Democratic primary.
Taylor had run unsuccessfully for secretary of state four years ago.
The incumbent lieutenant governor, Elizabeth Roberts, couldn't run again because of term limits.
Dem McKee Wins RI Lt. Gov. Race
Copyright AP - Associated Press