Helena Foulkes, a former business executive seeking the Democratic nomination in the race for governor of Rhode Island, says she stands out from her primary opponents because she's not a career politician.

Foulkes said she was born and raised in Rhode Island, and over 25 years worked her way up the ranks of Woonsocket-based CVS, where she says she tackled really hard problems.

"I think that I am a really good leader. I know how to attract great talent. You can ask anyone who worked with me over my career," Foulkes said.

She said she led 200,000 people and managed a $80 billion budget.

"I think the most important important thing a governor can do is attract the best possible talent around her and make sure that we're tackling the problems that Rhode Islanders really care about," Foulkes said.

The candidate identified education as the number one issue facing Rhode Island. She said children continue to struggle as the state emerges from the pandemic.

Foulkes said her view of the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare, has evolved over the years.

"I came to realize so many people needed the help of the federal government," she said.

She said her political hero is FDR.

"He led in a time that was just such a crisis for this country," Foulkes said. "I think he surprised many people. He made tough decisions. He showed the important role government can play in lifting people up."

Foulkes said the best advice she's ever received is: "You have to really give before you can receive."

"I think one of the reasons I've built good relationships -- both personally and professionally -- is that people know they can trust me," Foulkes said. "It's based on this foundation of listening really hard and understanding how I can help them as much as they can help me."

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