Providence Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
David Morales
Candidate for Mayor
David Morales is running for mayor of Providence in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against David Talan.
Mail ballot application deadline · Tue, Oct 13, 2026
State representative for Providence's House District 7, first elected in 2020. Former director of community programs for the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Democrat
- Campaign website
- www.davidmoralespvd.com
David Morales defeated incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary, 52.45% to 47.55%. RI Board of Elections · Sep 15, 2026
Where David Morales stands: positions on the record
Rent stabilization1 sourced position
Opposed Mayor Smiley's veto and says he would have signed the council's 4% rent stabilization ordinance.
“I opposed the mayor’s veto and would have signed the City Council’s 4% rent stabilization ordinance.”
Own statementRhode Island Current Voter Guide
Immigration enforcement1 sourced position
Says city employees would be directed not to assist ICE unless complying with a judicial warrant, and ICE would be barred from using city property.
“city employees will be directed not to assist ICE in any capacity unless they are complying with a judicial warrant”
Own statementRhode Island Current Voter Guide
Tax stabilization agreements1 sourced position
Says tax stabilization agreements should require enforceable public benefits, including affordable housing standards and a project labor agreement.
“Providence should only grant tax stabilization agreements when a project provides clear, enforceable public benefits that justify the tax break.”
Own statementRhode Island Current Voter Guide
Flock cameras1 sourced position
as reported by WPRI; not a direct quote
Said at an August 2026 Boston Globe forum that he would move to shut down the city's Flock Safety license-plate cameras.
Forum answerWPRI · Aug 12, 2026
Property taxes1 sourced position
as reported by Rhode Island Current; not a direct quote
Asked at an Aug. 4, 2026 forum whether he would pledge not to raise taxes, said his administration would "intend not to."
“intend not to.”
Forum answerRhode Island Current · Aug 5, 2026
Question 71 sourced position
as reported by Rhode Island Current; not a direct quote
Supports Question 7 and defended it at an Aug. 25, 2026 mayoral forum.
Forum answerRhode Island Current · Aug 31, 2026
Policing1 sourced position
Says the current headcount of 454 sworn officers is appropriate and that social workers and mental health professionals should lead nonviolent social service calls.
“I intend to maintain current staffing levels”
Own statementRhode Island Current Voter Guide
Pensions1 sourced position
as reported by Rhode Island Current; not a direct quote
Proposed exploring voluntary retiree buyouts, merging the city's pension system with the state's, or renegotiating the payment schedule with labor.
Forum answerRhode Island Current · Jul 24, 2026
Past candidacy1 sourced position
Ran for state representative, House District 7, in 2024 as a Democratic candidate (won).
Own statementRI.gov · Nov 5, 2024
Also running for Mayor
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