Young democratic socialist defeats Providence mayor in Democratic primary

David Morales, a 27-year-old state representative and democratic socialist endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, defeated Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in the city’s Democratic primary, winning 54% to 46%. Morales’ campaign, bolstered by support from Rep. Ro Khanna, former mayor Jorge Elorza and several labor unions, focused on capping rent increases at 4%, expanding affordable housing, and taxing corporate landlords and polluters.

Smiley, who was scrutinized for his handling of the December Brown University shooting, conceded the race and acknowledged the voters’ choice. The primary underscored a clash over housing policy, as Smiley had vetoed a council measure to limit rent hikes that fell short of an override. Morales, the son of a Mexican immigrant mother, also emphasized protecting the city’s immigrant community from federal immigration enforcement. He will now contend with 77-year-old Republican nominee Dave Talan in the November general election, where Democrats dominate the voter registration base.