David Morales (D) defeated incumbent Brett Smiley (D) in the Democratic primary for mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, on Sept. 9.

Providence's Democratic mayoral primary featured a moderate Democrat, Smiley, and a democratic socialist, Morales. Smiley, a first-term mayor, said his administration reduced violent crime, removed ATVs and dirt bikes from the streets, added new schools and homes throughout the city, and filed lawsuits against the Trump administration. Morales, a state representative, said Smiley's administration had accomplished too little, citing what he described as rising housing costs, overworked teachers, ignored transit riders, an unstable public works department, and an immigrant community fearful of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Heading into the election, two issues highlighted the candidates' philosophical differences: affordable housing and the use of Flock surveillance cameras. On affordable housing, Morales said he would work toward a rent stabilization ordinance that Smiley vetoed in April 2026. The city council passed the ordinance by a 9-6 vote, which would have capped annual rent increases at 4% for certain apartments. Smiley instead proposed working with private developers to build more housing. Regarding Flock cameras, which automatically take pictures of license plates, Smiley acknowledged concerns over privacy and data sharing but said the cameras help with public safety and should remain in place. Morales said Flock was "a for profit business that cannot be trusted," and that he would work to remove the cameras.

Smiley was elected mayor of Providence in 2022. Before that, Smiley was Providence's chief operating officer, chief of staff to former Gov. Gina Raimondo (D), and Rhode Island director of administration. Smiley said, "Four years ago, we made a commitment that we would get back to the basics – strengthening our public safety, securing our city’s finances, and improving our city services to better serve our residents. We have come a long way over the past four years, and today, Providence is a safer, stronger, and more vibrant city, but there is still more work to do and serious challenges ahead."

Morales has represented the 7th District in the Rhode Island House of Representatives since 2021. Morales also served as the director of community programs for the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council and as director of diversity recruitment and access at Roger Williams University. Morales' campaign website said, "Today, Providence is the least affordable city in America for renters. Far too many of our neighbors are being priced out. At the same time, our public schools are understaffed, the presence of ICE continues to grow, and our city services are falling behind. As Mayor, David will help make Providence a city all our neighbors can afford and feel safe calling home."