It’s getting late fast for Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee.

A new University of New Hampshire poll shows that just 21 percent of voters approve of the job McKee is doing as governor, and he trails far behind challenger Helena Foulkes in a head-to-head matchup among likely Democratic primary voters.

It’s the latest in a string of dismal polling results this year for McKee, who can’t shake off his administration’s handling of the Washington Bridge, which closed on the westbound side two years ago due to structural problems and isn’t expected to be rebuilt until 2028.

The UNH survey found that 72 percent of overall voters disapprove of the job he’s doing, but the more alarming numbers are in the crosstabs: 55 percent of voters who identify as Democrats disapprove, and 87 percent of voters who identify as independents disapprove of McKee.

Foulkes leads McKee 35 percent to 19 percent (with 40 percent undecided) in a head-to-head primary matchup, and McKee falls into third place (11 percent) in a race that includes Foulkes (29 percent) and House Speaker Joe Shekarchi (13 percent).

The bigger picture: McKee has repeatedly dismissed his poor approval ratings and has said he’s running for reelection next year no matter what the numbers say, but it’s getting more difficult for his supporters to ignore what’s staring at them right in the face.

Shekarchi only makes things more difficult for Team McKee.

He has pushed off making a decision on entering the race until early 2026, in part because he’s hopeful that McKee will realize he has no path to victory and will bow out of the race. The bet is that Shekarchi would consolidate most institutional Democrats – like the unions – and be formidable against Foulkes.

As for Foulkes, the former CVS executive continues to raise funds prolifically, and pick her spots when it comes to criticizing McKee. She wants nothing more than for a wounded McKee to stay in the race because she's in a good position in both a one-on-one race against him or a multicandidate field that includes him.

Reality check: McKee does have a decision to make this holiday season.

One of the highlights of his 2022 campaign was a terrific TV ad that featured him playing cards with his mother. It re-introduced him to voters as a warm family man with a positive, upbeat message for the state.

But the office has taken its toll on McKee. He comes across as bitter about the cards he’s been dealt as governor, especially since it’s clear that the Washington Bridge was failing long before he took office. His team is also convinced it has to run a divisive, negative campaign to have any chance against Foulkes.

He’s in great health at age 74, but he and his family have to decide if a “McKee vs. Everybody” campaign is the one he wants to run next year, especially if his path to victory continues to narrow.