David Morales Ousts Providence Mayor Smiley by 8 Points in Democratic Primary

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 10

54%-46% — Rhode Island state Rep. David Morales, 27, unseated Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in Wednesday's Democratic primary, putting the Bernie Sanders-endorsed democratic socialist on track to become the city's youngest mayor if he wins in November.
Housing costs drove the upset: Morales centered his campaign on capping rent hikes at 4%, expanding affordable housing and taxing polluters and corporate landlords, while attacking Smiley's April veto of a rent-stabilization measure.
Smiley, 47, conceded after one term following months of scrutiny over his handling of the Brown University shooting last December, a backdrop to voter frustration with the city's direction.
November now looks favorable for Morales against Republican Dave Talan, 77, in a deep-blue city where Democrats dominate local government and Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump by 51 points in 2024.