News Summary
Following the resignation of Helen Anthony, four candidates are vying for the Ward 2 city council seat in Providence. The upcoming Democratic primary will see Jill Davidson, David Caldwell Jr., Jeff Levy, and Matt McDermott each presenting their platforms aimed at addressing local issues. Davidson, the latest to enter, emphasizes environmental reforms. The election is generating significant interest, particularly among residents of affluent neighborhoods known for high voter engagement.
Providence is gearing up for an exciting political landscape with four candidates competing for the Ward 2 city council seat following the resignation of Helen Anthony. Jill Davidson, who serves as the communications director for the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, is the latest candidate to enter the race. Her participation brings the total number of challengers to four in the upcoming Democratic primary, which is set for November 4, 2025. The general election will take place shortly after on December 2, 2025.
Helen Anthony stepped down from her position on September 1, 2023, after suffering ongoing health issues stemming from being struck by a van two years prior. This unexpected vacancy has opened the door for new candidates, and the upcoming election is drawing considerable attention due to the influence and affluence of Ward 2 neighborhoods such as Blackstone, Wayland, and College Hill. These areas are characterized by higher voter turnout and engagement, which may significantly impact the election’s outcome.
The first candidate to announce their candidacy was David Caldwell Jr., a business owner and president of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Caldwell’s campaign places a strong emphasis on environmental protection, the preservation of neighborhood character, affordable housing, and the necessity to end the state takeover of Providence schools. His background and community involvement position him as a prominent candidate in this race.
Another strong contender is Jeff Levy, an attorney at Levy & Blackman LLP. Levy approaches his candidacy with a legal perspective, underscoring his volunteer efforts aimed at combating election fraud. His campaign platform is centered on creating an inclusive, safe, and affordable city for residents across diverse communities.
Matt McDermott, a Democratic pollster and strategist, has also declared his intentions to run, focusing his campaign on issues of democracy, local control over schools, housing challenges, and the development of sustainable neighborhoods. His experience in polling and strategy may provide him with valuable insights into the electorate’s priorities and concerns.
Most recently, Jill Davidson has taken steps to enter the race by opening her campaign account. Although she has not yet made a formal announcement of her candidacy, establishing a campaign account is a critical first step that allows candidates to accept donations and engage in campaign-related expenditures. Davidson’s platform is expected to advocate for environmental reforms, including innovations in sustainable energy and the introduction of a “bottle bill” in Rhode Island.
As the special election approaches, it is worth noting that candidates must declare their intention to run between September 25 and September 26, a timeframe that could see further developments in this competitive race. Providence’s identity as a predominantly Democratic city strongly suggests that the winner of the Democratic primary will likely secure the position in the general election. All current city councilors are Democrats, further emphasizing the significance of party affiliation in local politics.
The excitement surrounding the Ward 2 city council race reflects ongoing community engagement and interest in local governance issues. With the election less than two years away, candidates are gearing up to communicate their visions and priorities to voters, outlining the direction they hope to take Providence in the future.
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Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
