Bernie Sanders reacts to David Morales’ Providence mayoral primary win

PROVIDENCE, R.I. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders weighed in Thursday morning on David Morales’ victory in the Democratic primary for mayor of Providence.

Sanders, who endorsed Morales during the campaign, congratulated the 27-year-old state representative on defeating incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley. Morales won with about 57% of the vote to Smiley’s 43%, according to unofficial results reported after Wednesday’s primary. 

In his post, Sanders described Morales as a Democratic Socialist and connected his victory to other Democratic Socialist candidates and officeholders around the country. He also characterized the results as evidence of voters seeking a change from what he called “status quo politics.”

Morales’ victory was historic for Providence. Smiley became the first sitting mayor in the city’s history to lose a primary while seeking reelection. 

Morales now moves on to the November general election, where he is scheduled to face Republican Dave Talan. 

What do you think of Sanders’ comments following the Providence primary?