Who is Jack Reed and what is Reed running on in the 2026 Rhode Island Senate race?

Jack Reed is the Democratic candidate for Rhode Island U.S. Senate, and the incumbent. U.S. senator since 1997 after three House terms; former Army paratrooper; ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The race

• The seat: Incumbent Jack Reed (D) seeking a sixth term.
• Rating: Solid D (Cook).
• Polling: Reed 51, McKay 31 (University of New Hampshire, Aug 2026).

Why Reed is ahead

• Rhode Island is safely Democratic; Republicans have not won a Senate race there since 2000.
• Five-term incumbent and top Democrat on Senate Armed Services; easily beat progressive primary challengers on Sept 9, 2026 with about 76%.
• Large money gap: Reed raised $4.2M with $3.6M on hand vs McKay’s $163K as of June 30, 2026.
• Polling shows a 20-point Reed lead (UNH, Aug 2026).

What Reed is running on

• Federal funding for the state. Campaigned on his experience and the federal money he has brought to Rhode Island for housing and infrastructure.
• Foreign policy / Israel. Supports continued military aid to Israel while criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu, and backs renewed two-state-solution efforts.
• National security. Runs on his seniority as top Democrat on Armed Services (also sits on Appropriations, Banking, Intelligence).
• Environment / reproductive rights (endorsements). Endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood Action Fund and VoteVets.

The other candidates

• Raymond McKay (R)

Every race

See every Senate and governor race on the ballot, with each candidate’s chance of winning: the 2026 midterms at a glance.