Michelle Bi

State Rep. David Morales MPA’19 grew up couch surfing at his aunt’s house and watching his mother struggle with rising rents. Now, he says those experiences are empowering him in his race for the Democratic mayoral nomination against incumbent Brett Smiley. In the midst of a heated primary that has divided Providence Democrats, The Herald sat down with both candidates on Friday to discuss their backgrounds and visions for Providence’s next four years.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is making a bid for a second term this fall. But in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary, Smiley faces a formidable challenge from State Rep. David Morales MPA’19 (D-Providence). On Friday, The Herald sat down with each candidate to discuss their political background and goals if elected — on issues that have split Rhode Island Democrats in the run-up to the Sept. 9 primary. A R.I. resident for 20 years, Smiley says he has stayed committed to the power of local government.