Progressive State Representative David Morales defeated incumbent Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in Wednesday’s Democratic primary, capturing 53% of the vote to Smiley’s 46%, winning by just over 1,700 votes. Morales, a 27-year-old democratic socialist, campaigned on making Providence more affordable by capping rent hikes, stabilizing taxes, and increasing corporate contributions to city services. Smiley, who spent over three times more on his campaign, emphasized his experience and efforts to improve public safety and housing. Despite heavy spending on attack ads, Smiley conceded, praising his administration’s accomplishments.

Morales’ victory is part of a broader national trend of progressive candidates challenging establishment Democrats. His win was buoyed by the highest voter turnout in decades, with 23% of registered voters participating. Alongside Morales, seven of eight City Council candidates endorsed by the progressive housing group Reclaim RI also won or are leading, signaling a shift toward a more progressive city government starting in 2027. Morales will face Republican Dave Talan in the November general election.