Bernie Sanders-endorsed challenger defeats Providence mayor in a Democratic primary

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley lost his Democratic primary Tuesday night, NBC News projects, with Rhode Island state Rep. David Morales, a Bernie Sanders-endorsed democratic socialist, prevailing.

Morales tapped into the progressive energy that has fueled a slew of challenges to incumbents this election cycle up and down the ballot. His platform included proposals to cap rent hikes, expand affordable housing, and increase taxes on polluters and corporate landlords.

Morales cast the incumbent as not being up to the task of meeting present-day challenges, asking voters the time-honored campaign question of whether they believe they are better off now than they were when Smiley took office.

“I’m running for mayor because I believe government can do so much more to make our lives easier,” Morales said during last month’s NBC 10 WJAR mayoral debate. “We’re building a movement to have a Providence for all.”

Morales had support from endorsers including Sanders and former Mayor Jorge Elorza. Smiley had worked in Elorza’s administration.

Smiley was seeking a second term after winning the mayoralty in 2022. He pointed to the expansion of a universal pre-K program and other city successes, as well as his record of standing up to President Donald Trump on…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business