Elorza Will Not Seek Governorship

Elorza Will Not Seek Governorship

Despite raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions — and sitting on a war chest of over $1.1 million — term-limited Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza announced Wednesday he is not running for governor of Rhode Island in 2022. 

Elorza’s pronouncement comes after fellow Democrats Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea and General Treasurer Seth Magaziner both officially declared their candidacies for governor. 

Latest for Providence Mayor

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Elorza has come under fire for his handling of crime in Providence, illegal ATVs and off-road vehicles plaguing city streets, and the announcement this summer of a “pension working group” to tackle the city’s $1 billion unfunded liability — an issue that has faced the city and gone unaddressed since he took office over six years ago. 

Most recently, he has been criticized for naming the city’s Recreation Director Michael Stephens — who has no law enforcement experience — to the role of Major in the Providence Police Department. 

A majority of the City Council has now called on Elorza to reclassify the community outreach position to a civilian role.