David Morales Wins Democratic Primary
Rhode Island State Rep. David Morales, a 27-year-old democratic socialist backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., triumphed over the incumbent, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, in the Democratic primary. This victory positions Morales as the potential youngest mayor in Providence’s history should he win the general election.
Campaign and Victory Speech
In his victory speech, Morales emphasized overcoming significant challenges. He highlighted the skepticism surrounding a young democratic socialist defeating corporate interests and navigating negative advertising. Morales won with an eight-point lead, securing 54% of the votes against Smiley’s 46%. Part of his speech was delivered in Spanish.
“Few believed that a 27-year-old democratic socialist could ever, few believed that we could ever take on big money, corporate real estate interests and endless attack ads – and we took them on and we won,” Morales asserted.
Upcoming General Election
Morales is set to face Republican nominee Dave Talan, 77, in November. Republicans hold no seats on the Providence City Council, and Democrats comprise the majority of registered voters. In 2024, former Vice President Kamala Harris defeated President Donald Trump in Providence by 51 points.
Following his primary loss, Smiley acknowledged Morales’ victory while expressing pride in his campaign efforts.
“The voters of Providence made their choice, and they chose David Morales as our next mayor in the Democratic primary,” Smiley said.
Support and Platform
Morales received endorsements from Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, and various labor unions. His progressive campaign focused on issues such as capping rent increases, expanding affordable housing, and raising taxes on certain landlords and polluters.
“Nearly a year ago today, we launched a campaign centered around a simple vision that the working people who make Providence home deserve to live here,” Morales stated.
Primary Context
The Providence primary unfolded amid broader Democratic primary contests, featuring progressive candidates challenging established incumbents. Morales aimed to address frustrations regarding housing costs and city governance, contrasting with Smiley’s experience-based approach.
“The same way that we campaigned, we are going to govern — in coalition, side by side with our neighbors,” Morales promised.
A significant issue in the primary was rent stabilization. The Providence City Council approved a measure to cap rent hikes at 4%, vetoed by Smiley in April. An override attempt fell one vote short in May.
“When working people are getting priced out of the city that they love, then we must cap rent increases at 4% every single year,” Morales argued.
Immigration Stance
Morales advocates for Providence as a sanctuary city for undocumented migrants, opposing the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
“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,” Morales insisted.