The 2026 Providence mayoral election will be held on November 3, 2026. Incumbent Democratic mayor Brett Smiley ran for re-election to a second term in office, but was defeated in the September 9 primary.
Democratic primary Candidates Nominee David Morales, state representative from the 7th district (2021–present) Eliminated in primary Brett Smiley, incumbent mayor
Withdrawn Michael English, paralegal
Endorsements
Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error DavidMorales BrettSmiley UndecidedConcord Public Opinion PartnersAugust 19–20, 2026310 (LV)± 5.56%48%38%13%Concord Public Opinion PartnersJuly 19–20, 2026305 (LV)± 5.65%38%42%19%
Debate + 2026 Providence mayoral election Democratic primary debate Date Host Moderator Link Democratic DemocraticKey: Participant Absent Not invited Invited Withdrawn David Morales Brett Smiley1 July 17, 2026 WPRI-TV Alexandra LeslieTed NesiTim White
Results
Republican primary Candidates Nominee Dave Talan, former nuclear engineer
Independents Candidates Declared Allen Waters, investment consultant and perennial candidate
General election Debates and forums 2026 Providence mayoral election debates and forums Date Host Moderator Link ParticipantsKey: Participant Absent Not invited Invited WithdrawnMichael English (D)David Morales (D)Brett Smiley (D)Dave Talan (R)Allen Waters (I) 1 April 22, 2026Brown Votes– 2 June 24, 2026Various neighbourhood organizationsLanre Ajakaiye 3 July 20, 2026Rhode Island League of Women VotersProvidence Community Libraries– 4 July 23, 2026Rhode Island League of Women VotersProvidence Community Libraries– 5 August 4, 2026Rhode Island League of Women VotersProvidence Community Libraries– 6 August 4, 2026WPROBillBartholomew
External links Official campaign websites David Morales (D) for mayor Allen Waters (I) for mayor
Notes
Partisan clients
References