Rhode Island politics: Three Hispanic candidates claim wins
New officials take office in Providence and statewide races, marking the first time three Latinos have secured major elected positions simultaneously in the state.
By Adrian Kovalenko ·
The political leadership of Rhode Island changed on Tuesday night as three Hispanic candidates secured victories in key local and state races.
David Morales defeated incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley in the primary for the Providence mayor's seat. At 38, Morales is the youngest person to hold the office in the city's history. He joined Sabina Matos, who won a second term as vice governor, and James Diossa, a candidate of Colombian descent who retained the state treasurer position.
Matos, the current vice governor, spoke about the visual impact of these wins on local students. "Cada vez que interactúo con jóvenes o voy a la escuela, quisiera que vieras la emoción que sienten cuando ven que alguien que se parece a ellos, que habla como ellos y que tiene el acento como ellos tiene una posición de relevancia," she said. She added that young people often feel they can achieve similar roles when they see someone who looks and speaks like them in power.
Morales emphasized the economic and social challenges facing immigrant families in the capital. "Crecí con una mamá soltera, que llegó de México, y para muchas familias inmigrantes está todo tan difícil… el costo de vivienda y la inmigración… y como latino joven estoy listo para luchar por nuestras familias," he said. He described the role as a direct response to the housing costs and immigration issues affecting the city.
Another winner, referred to as Folkes in the reports, addressed the Hispanic community in Spanish. "Su fuerza es mi fuerza… La alcaldesa María Rivera ha sido un gran apoyo para mí y me dijo: ‘Quiero que seas una gobernadora para todos los latinos’," Folkes said, citing a conversation with the mayor of Central Falls.
The election results expand the number of Hispanic officeholders beyond the state capital. In Pawtucket and Central Falls, more than half of the city council members are of Hispanic origin. This group of new and returning officials holds some of the most powerful administrative positions in the state government.
