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Brett Smiley and David Morales Compete for Providence Mayoral Nomination in Democratic Primary

Providence mayoral candidates Brett Smiley and David Morales are competing for the Democratic party's nomination in the upcoming primary election. Brett Smiley, the incumbent mayor, is running on a track record of improving city safety, increasing housing supply, and returning public schools to local control. David Morales, a state representative and democratic socialist, is campaigning on a vision of housing affordability, specifically advocating for a rent stabilization ordinance to cap annual rent increases at 4%. While both candidates agree on the necessity of increasing housing supply, they differ on specific policies. Brett Smiley has focused on expanding construction and upzoning, while David Morales proposes using the Providence Redevelopment Agency as a public developer to create more affordable units. Brett Smiley also highlighted his administration's success in reducing crime and managing the city's finances. The race is currently a close contest. David Morales has been significantly outspent by Brett Smiley, but Morales maintains that his movement-based campaign is gaining momentum. Early voting has already seen more than 6,000 ballots cast, with the primary election taking place on Wednesday.

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