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In the end, the Battle for Blackstone Boulevard was a blowout.
Jill Davidsoncruised to victory in Tuesday’s four-way special Democratic City Council primary in Providence’s Ward 2, earning 49 percent of the vote against David Caldwell, Jeff Levy, and Matt McDermott.
Davidson will be a heavy favorite to defeat Republican Axel Brito in the Dec. 2 general election.
The bigger picture: There are significant political implications in the city for Davidson’s victory, but don’t mistake ideology for the obvious: The ward did not elect the next Zohran Mamdani. It elected a mom who is deeply engaged in her community, sent her kids to public schools, and had the coveted endorsements of the ward’s two most recent councilmembers: Helen Anthony and state Senator Sam Zurier.
That being said, Davidson’s victory appears to solidify City Council President Rachel Miller’s leadership team, which is considered more progressive than Mayor Brett Smiley would like. It could give the council a veto-proof majority to pass a rent-control ordinance, which Smiley strongly opposes.
Tuesday wasn’t the best day for Smiley, but some of that was out of his control. He didn’t endorse a candidate in the race, although you wouldn’t know that from Caldwell’s campaign literature. One door hanger making its way around the East Side on Tuesday declared “David Caldwell and Brett Smiley need your vote today!”
🏆 Winners: Congratulations to Michael McGlynn and Sam Andersen for earning a perfect score in our Rhode Map contest. McGlynn was closer with his turnout prediction, but they’re both getting coffee on me and a Rhode Map tote bag.
Here’s a special shoutout to Dave Pepin and Matt Netto, who nearly nailed the projected turnout. Pepin predicted 2,369 voters, and Netto predicted 2,368. Total turnout was 2,372.
🤔 So you think you're a Rhode Islander...
Can you name the Rhode Island congressman who was shot in a duel with another congressman, and later got elected to the US Senate?
(Answer at the bottom.)
Do you have the perfect question for Rhode Map readers? Don't forget to send the answer, too. Shoot me an email today.
The Globe in Rhode Island
⚓ The Trump administration sparked confusion and outrage on Tuesday when the president threatened to withhold funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program until the government shutdown ends, a move that would defy a court order. Hours later, his press secretary said the administration would provide partial SNAP payments in November. Read more.
⚓ A new buyer may be eyeing two cash-strapped hospitals in Rhode Island as their current owner, California-based Prospect Medical Holdings, recently threatened to close the hospitals down, which could devastate the state’s entire health care system. Read more.
⚓ The Smithfield School Committee on Monday night voted to have a law firm review how the school administration handled a report of antisemitic hazing on the Smithfield High School football team. Read more.
⚓ About 1,000 people swarmed streets in Providence’s Elmhurst neighborhood in the early morning hours after Halloween night, culminating in fights that sent at least three people to hospitals, according to police. Read more.
⚓ This year’s iteration of “A Christmas Carol” at Trinity Repertory Company is adding a layer of magic and intrigue, and delving into Scrooge’s character to “let audiences experience what he is experiencing." Read more.
⚓ A 21-year-old man is facing charges after he allegedly threw fireworks at a Christian church group that had gathered to preach in public on Saturday, authorities said. Read more.
You can check out all of our coverage at Globe.com/RI
Also in the Globe
⚓ Democrats couldn’t have asked for a better Election Night. They flipped the governor’s office in Virginia, held it in New Jersey, and elected a new, attention-grabbing mayor in New York City who has the party base buzzing. James Pindell explains what it means. Read more.
⚓ Past federal government shutdowns ended in one of two ways: a significant number of rank and file senators struck a bipartisan compromise or a top-down deal was brokered by congressional leaders of both parties and the president. So far, neither has happened this fall as on Wednesday, the current shutdown sets a new record of 36 days and counting. Read more.
⚓ Tied for the best record in the AFC at 7-2, the Patriots seemed in position to be buyers at the trade deadline, but they ended up only sending players out — safety Kyle Dugger and defensive end Keion White last week — rather than bringing any in. Read more.
⚓ Rhode Map readers, if you want the birthday of a friend or family member to be recognized Friday, send me an email with their first and last name, and their age.
⚓ Former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice is speaking at Brown University today. My colleague Chris Gavin will be there to cover the event, and will have more tonight at Globe.com/RI.
Christopher Grant Champlin was a member of the US House of Representatives when he dueled with Representative James A. Bayard of Delaware in 1800. Both men were shot in the duel, and both were later elected to the US Senate.
RHODE ISLAND REPORT PODCAST Ed Fitzpatrick talks to our colleague Amanda Milkovits about the night she spent at “The Conjuring" house. Listen to all of our podcasts here.
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