Bernie Sanders-endorsed democratic socialist David Morales has defeated incumbent Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in Tuesday’s Democratic primary election.
Morales, a Rhode Island state representative, ran a platform centered on rent stabilization, affordable housing expansion, and higher taxes on corporate landlords and polluters.
The victory adds Providence to a growing list of cities where progressive democratic socialists have unseated established incumbents in recent election cycles.
Morales has drawn comparisons to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, another democratic socialist whose social media-driven campaign similarly focused on housing affordability.
Key national progressive figures backed Morales throughout the race, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).
Smiley entered the race with a notable roster of endorsements, including former Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.
Smiley, who previously served as Raimondo’s chief of staff, leaned heavily on his incumbency record while attacking Morales over past remarks the challenger had made about law enforcement.
One of the sharpest contrasts in the race came from housing policy, as Smiley had vetoed a rent stabilization ordinance when it came to his desk in April.
Morales tapped into a wave of progressive energy that has powered insurgent candidates at local, state, and federal levels across New York City, Washington D.C., Colorado, Michigan, and Florida.
The Providence Democratic primary result mirrors a broader national trend of voters favoring democratic socialist candidates who focus on economic affordability issues.
Morales will now enter the November general election as the heavy favorite against Republican challenger David Talan.
The outcome signals continued momentum for the democratic socialist wing of the Democratic Party heading deeper into the 2026 political cycle.
