When the governor elect dies, removes from the state, refuses to serve, becomes insane, or is otherwise incapacitated, the lieutenant governor elect shall be qualified as governor at the beginning of the term for which he or she was elected.
Death or incapacity of governor elect
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-2-2., under Chapter 17-2 General State Officers.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-2-2.