Stephen Skoly holds a strong lead in the Rhode Island Republican primary for the 2nd Congressional District, scheduled for September 9, 2026, reflecting trader consensus on his advantages heading into the final days. The state GOP endorsed Skoly at its June convention after Victor Mellor withdrew from the endorsement process, giving Skoly top ballot placement and institutional backing from party delegates and groups such as the Fraternal Order of Police. Skoly, an East Greenwich oral surgeon with decades of local practice and a record of opposing state COVID-19 mandates, benefits from established Rhode Island ties. Mellor, a self-funded challenger and former Marine who recently returned from Florida, has drawn attention through substantial personal spending and endorsements including from Michael Flynn, but faces questions over his Cuba foreign-agent registration and campaign emphasis on national issues. A September 4 debate highlighted policy overlaps on border security, healthcare, and conservative priorities with limited direct attacks. The race remains a two-candidate contest following earlier filings, with high undecideds in prior polling underscoring the impact of late momentum and turnout among Republican primary voters.