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

State Rep. David Morales won the Democratic nomination for mayor of Rhode Island’s largest city over incumbent Brett Smiley, NBC News projects.

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 Smiley 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 mayoral debate organized by NBC affiliate WJAR. “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.