Smiley goes on the attack in his 2026 Providence mayoral race ad debut

In the first salvo of the 2026 Providence mayoral race, incumbent Brett Smiley launched an attack ad targeting his Democratic rival, State Rep. David Morales, accusing him of advocating to defund the city’s police department. Smiley's 30-second spot suggests that Morales' policies would undermine the crime reduction efforts achieved under Smiley’s leadership. This clash highlights the ongoing debate over public safety and police funding, crucial issues that could shape the city’s future direction. Smiley’s aggressive approach signals a competitive race ahead.