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Smiley, Morales Make Final Push in Providence Mayor's Race
Smiley has outspent Morales 5-to-1 as early voting turnout already tops 2022 levels, underscoring a tight race for Providence Democrats.
- On Tuesday, Rhode Island State Representative David Morales defeated incumbent Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary, securing 54% of the vote. Morales advances to face Republican Dave Talan in November.
- Tensions over affordability defined the contest after Smiley vetoed a Providence City Council ordinance capping annual rent hikes at 4 percent last April. Morales seized on this decision as evidence the incumbent failed to address the housing crisis.
- Smiley outspent Morales 5-to-1, running television attack ads on police funding, yet Morales gained backing from the Working Families Party and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Sanders included him in a mass-endorsement of 61 candidates.
- Campaign manager Ben Shanahan stated, "We know that voters are hungry for change," as Morales's field operation knocked on over 80,000 doors. The result positions Morales to become Providence's youngest mayor.
- Morales now faces Talan in the November general election. The victory aligns with a national trend of progressive candidates securing wins in cities across the United States, challenging established party structures.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
Providence JournalReposted by 
USA Today
USA TodayProvidence chooses change as David Morales wins mayoral race
Providence voters chose change. David Morales defeated incumbent Brett Smiley, capping a closely watched race focused on affordability, housing and the city's future.
·Providence, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left10Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Left
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources lean Left
71% Left
L 71%
C 29%
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