Battle in South Providence - Two Progressive Senators Targeting Rep. Anastasia Williams

Battle in South Providence - Two Progressive Senators Targeting Rep. Anastasia Williams

Firebrand State Representative Anastasia Williams has represented South Providence’s District 9 since 1992.

Williams has been one of the most outspoken legislators over the past 30 years and has taken on all comers.

Now, two progressive Democratic State Senators are targeting Williams. Sam Bell and Tiara Mack are endorsing Williams' announced challenger, Enrique Sanchez.

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Sanchez announced the campaign endorsements from Mack and Bell on Friday morning.

“The constituents of District 9 deserve a Representative who will bring transparency, dialogue and community leadership to the State House.  We are facing an education crisis, a housing crisis, and a healthcare crisis in our community and across the state. Covid-19 has inflicted so much pain and damage in our communities, and I will fight for the relief working families deserve. I will challenge powerful corporate interests and the political establishment that has not done enough to protect the working poor in our community. It is time to fight for all the marginalized people of Providence.” said Sanchez

Sanchez is highly critical of Williams, he has posted to his website, “She criticized refugees, voted against the Act on Climate, and signed the extremist anti-vax letter. These are not our values.”

Williams has been at the forefront of major political battles over the years, including the effort to protect women’s reproductive rights, raising the minimum wage, and was outspoken in calling for the appointment of a minority to serve on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. For each issue, she has had success.

 

Williams Fires Back

Williams, when asked about the endorsements, said, "Tiara Mack, instead of focusing on the issues in her district, prefers to do what she is doing. She has personal feelings that need to be handled in a different way. She needs to focus on the issues in her district -- issues like affordable housing and gentrification."

"I am focused on the issues. I don't discourage anyone to vote. I have never stifled an individual who wants to raise issues," said Williams.

"I am too mature to play childish games with adults [when there are] real important issues like masking, education, homeless, unemployment, and low and moderate housing. Our students are lagging behind. Especially children in the urban community during distance learning. And, urban children have been lagging behind in education for the past five decades," said Williams.

"Sam Bell claims he is for the minority community, but has done nothing. He is good at stirring the pot. He thinks he is the smartest person. He is intelligent, but he tries to make everyone feel inferior," said Williams. 

"He tries to divide and conquer. He manipulates some people of color. What has Bell got anything done?" she added.

 

Bell and Mask Target Williams

“I’m excited to endorse Enrique Sanchez for State Representative. I’m especially excited about the change he will bring as a supporter of public health measures to combat this pandemic, including vaccination,” said Bell.

“Enrique is the kind of energetic young voice we need to bring change to a political system that’s been dominated by career politicians for far too long. We need bold, new voices to help shape a Rhode Island that works for everyone,” said Mack.

“I am thankful and excited to receive these endorsements from Senator Mack and Senator Bell, two leaders who have track records of standing up and fighting for working people in our city and across the state. It has been an honor supporting them as an activist in the streets, advocating in support of their legislation and standing side by side with them when taking on special interest groups,” said Sanchez

The 9th House District Nine includes portions of neighborhoods of the West End, Silver Lake, Olneyville, Manton, Wiggin Village, Upper South Providence, and Hartford Park.