Providence’s election season is underway, with early voting starting August 20 and the primary election set for September 9. The Democratic primary features incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley facing State Representative David Morales. The winner will challenge Independent candidate Allen Waters in the November 3 general election. Both Democratic candidates shared their visions and goals for the city. Morales emphasizes affordability and safety, advocating for rent stabilization to prevent skyrocketing rents and transforming vacant lots into affordable housing. He also aims to enhance Providence Public Schools by increasing staffing for social workers and multilingual educators. Smiley highlights his administration’s achievements, including universal pre-K access, record low violent crime rates, and new schools and housing developments. He plans to continue lowering family costs and transition the school system back to local control, focusing on student outcomes. Morales proposes additional measures such as reforming commercial taxes, enforcing vacancy taxes, and improving city government accountability. The primary outcome will significantly influence Providence’s leadership and policy direction moving forward.