Politics & Elections
Election 2026 coverage
Interview: Nirva LaFortune has a vision for Providence, and wants to be your mayor
"People want to live in safe neighborhoods," said Councilmember LaFortune. "But with public safety, many folks throughout the city, particularly in marginalized communities, are also talking about what type of investments can be made in our neighborhoods to prevent some of these crimes, to better support our young people, to give them pathways to opportunities, to make sure that they have spaces to go to where they feel safe and can get services."
Sam Zurier wins Senate District 3 Democratic Primary Special Election
Zurier has a long career as a politician on the east side of Providence, and deep roots in the community. In an interview with UpriseRI, Zurier was the only candidate who suggested that the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights (LEOBoR) be amended, not repealed, and he was the only candidate who suggested that increasing taxes on the richest one percent of Rhode Islanders might be possible only with a sunset clause after three years.
RI Redistricting Commission can consider Environmental Justice neighborhoods as 'Communities of Interest'
"Environmental groups, shown to be a focused political group… these can be communities along a waterway, or in a watershed, or communities lining a beach," said Ryan Taylor. "When I was here five years ago I heard about the opposition to the Clear River Energy Center. It's possible that could be considered a community of interest. That's a conversation worth having for sure."
RI redistricting hearings on the move. First stop: Newport
Republicans boycotted the meeting because they felt the Covid restrictions were too stringent. Participants had the option of with providing proof of vaccination or taking a quick Covid test before entering.
Money and movements shaping an election to the Rhode Island Senate
"The constituency of Rhode Island Senate District #3 should know, beyond endorsements, who supports candidates’ campaigns," writes sociologist Michael Kennedy. "Thanks to the transparency of our system tracking donations, we do. But I have not seen an analysis anywhere else."
Interview: The Rhode Island Political Cooperative isn't apologizing for doing democracy
"Some of the detractors say we're not working with anybody, that we go rogue and stuff like that, but that's not the case," said Senator Jeanine Calkin. "The first time I ran I had a lot of people saying, 'You didn't ask permission. You didn't talk to so-and-so and get their blessing.' Well, I didn't need their blessing for one thing. But we are working with Sunrise, we're working with BLM PAC. Some people feel left out, but we've been open to talking to anybody."
Interview: Gonzalo Cuervo is running for Mayor of Providence promising solutions, not talk
"Are we looking at public safety response as a whole, as opposed to this ongoing adaptation of a police model that was created in the late 1800s?" asked Providence mayoral candidate Gonzalo Cuervo. "What we've been doing is just tacking on technology to policing. But the underlying response continues to be the same response, despite the fact that society has evolved light years ahead during that time."
Nirva LaFortune officially launches Providence Mayoral campaign
"We need to make real investments in housing and create a housing stock across the spectrum," said Councilmember LaFortune. "Affordable housing. Workforce housing. Housing for disabled, housing for elderly, housing or those who need continued care, housing for families and a pathway so that families can purchase their own homes…"
Senate District 3 candidates attend community meet and greet - full video
"The Defund the Police issue is one of those things we as society have to make a decision on," said Alex Cannon, the lone Republican in the race. "I'm opposed to that. I think the police - there's problems - but I don't think that means eradicate the force and institute social workers provide public safety."
Race, redistricting and prison gerrymandering: How will Rhode Island respond?
"If large states like Pennsylvania can [end prison gerrymandering] , Rhode Island can do it too," said Providence College Political Science Professor Adam Myers.