Jorge Elorza - 21 Who Made a Difference in 2021

Jorge Elorza - 21 Who Made a Difference in 2021

Entering 2021, Jorge Elorza was gearing up to run for governor of Rhode Island.  In the fourth quarter of 2020, he led all the prospective candidates in fundraising — he tapped contractors and builders to pump up his campaign.

But all the political money in the world could not mask the problems in the city.

Crime, ATVs, murders, and a growing sense of lawlessness diminished Elorza’s claim as a competent leader.

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High-profile shootings defined 2021 in Providence -- including the bloodiest day in the city’s history on Carolina Avenue.

A woman was dragged from her car and was beaten in front of a child by ATV riders.

There were a seemingly endless number of murders — hitting every neighborhood in the city.

And, on and on.

By September of 2021, Elorza was forced to announce he would not run for governor.

Elorza came to office promising a vision for “One Providence”  and he will leave as mayor in 2022 after a tumultuous reign.

The city lost control of its schools, the 195 lands, and its confidence.

Voters will elect a new Mayor in November.