Cuervo Emerges as the Progressive Candidate for Mayor of Providence

Cuervo Emerges as the Progressive Candidate for Mayor of Providence

Gonzalo Cuervo has announced a series of endorsements from leading progressive politicians in his bid to win the Mayor's office in Providence.

In recent weeks, he has announced that State Senator Sam Bell (District 5) has endorsed his candidacy for Mayor of Providence. Then, on Monday, another progressive State Senator, Tiara Mack (District 6), announced she was endorsing Cuervo.

“Over the course of the campaign, I’ve gotten to know Gonzalo, and he’s demonstrated to me that he’s the candidate with Providence’s best interests at heart,” said Mack. "He understands what our neighborhoods need, what our students and families need, and ultimately, what Providence needs. Whether it’s breaking the cycle of poverty that traps minority and low-income families in failing systems or ensuring that Providence is affordable for all, Gonzalo has proven that he can bring together inclusive teams that will tackle the most important issues facing our city. I’m proud to endorse Gonzalo Cuervo for Mayor of Providence."

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The Bell and Mack endorsements come on the heels of ones from City Council members Kat Kerwin and Rachel Miller — two progressive members of the Providence City Council who have strongly advocated defunding the police.

The Cuervo strategy is based on a foundation that Providence has moved left -- very far left.

 

Who Has the Broadest Support

Brett Smiley, Cuervo’s rival, refused to answer why progressives were endorsing his opponent. His campaign spokesperson Emily Ward wrote in an email, “Brett is excited to have earned support from a diverse coalition that represents every neighborhood and includes elected officials, organized labor and neighbors from across Providence.“

Smiley has announced a series of endorsements, and some represent the old guard in Providence, such as his formal rival ex-Providence City Council President Michael Solomon.

Solomon was Smiley's rival in the 2014 Democratic primary for mayor of Providence in 2014. Smiley quit the race and endorsed now-Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, who defeated Solomon in the primary.

And Cuervo’s campaign says they have broad support — more than just progressives.

"We are proud of the broad coalition we are building. Senator Mack joins a long list of elected officials that reflect the diversity of our city. Throughout this campaign, Gonzalo has demonstrated his ability to bring people to the table to solve complex issues,” Allan Reyes, campaign manager for Cuervo.

“The next mayor of Providence must have a citywide base of support and be ready to represent every neighborhood. If we want sustainable homegrown economic development in Providence, we must support and uplift its people. Gonzalo is prepared on day one to be that mayor,” said Reyes.