Rhode Island State Rep. David Morales, a 27-year-old democratic socialist endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, has defeated Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary, ousting the incumbent after one term. Morales secured victory by approximately 8 percentage points, with 54% of the vote to Smiley's 46%.
If Morales wins the general election in November, he will become Providence's youngest mayor in history. He is set to face Republican nominee Dave Talan, 77. Given that Republicans hold no seats on the Providence City Council and Democrats constitute a majority of registered voters, Morales is considered a strong favorite in the general election.
Morales, who also received support from Rep. Ro Khanna and former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, campaigned on a progressive platform. His key policy proposals included capping rent hikes, expanding affordable housing, and increasing taxes on polluters and corporate landlords. "Housing justice was on the ballot," Morales stated in his victory speech.
The primary featured a debate over rent stabilization. The Providence City Council had previously approved a measure to cap annual rent increases at 4% for certain apartments, but Mayor Smiley vetoed the legislation in April. The council's subsequent attempt to override the veto fell short by one vote.
Morales also positioned himself as a strong advocate for immigrant rights, vowing to defend the city's immigrant community. "The city of Providence must use every tool that we have at our disposal to defend our immigrant community and protect us from the fascist ICE agents," he said, referencing his background as the son of a Mexican immigrant.
Smiley, 47, served one term as mayor. He conceded the race after acknowledging the voters' decision. "The voters of Providence made their choice, and they chose David Morales as our next mayor in the Democratic primary," Smiley said. "While I’m not happy with that outcome, I’m so happy and proud of the campaign that we ran."
Morales's victory represents a significant win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, tapping into voter frustrations over issues like housing costs and the direction of city governance.