Two debates, three candidates and four takeaways from Providence’s mayoral race

By: Alexander Castro

Outlets: Rhode Island Current

Published: August 5, 2026

Words: 1,592

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

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After several months of campaigning, it’s obvious Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and his Democratic primary opponent, state Rep. David Morales, disagree about many things.

On the fate of three elephants, however, the two men are more aligned.

The question of whether Roger Williams Park Zoo should replace its three departing African elephants came up during a Tuesday morning debate at WPRO’s studios in East Providence, where radio host and journalist Bill Bartholomew questioned …

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