News Summary
Democrat Matthew McDermott has declared his intention to run for the vacant Ward 2 seat on the Providence City Council following Helen Anthony’s resignation. The special primary election will be held on November 4. McDermott, with a background in advocacy and local politics, joins other candidates such as David Caldwell and Jeff Levy in a competitive race. The elected official will fill the remainder of Anthony’s term and is poised to play a crucial role in city governance, addressing significant issues like budget and housing.
Providence – Democrat Matthew McDermott has announced his candidacy for the vacant Ward 2 seat on the Providence City Council, following the resignation of Helen Anthony. The special primary election is set for November 4, 2023, with the general election scheduled for December 2, 2023. This vacancy arose when Anthony resigned on September 1, 2023, to focus on her recovery from injuries sustained in an accident where she was struck by a van earlier this year.
McDermott, a veteran pollster and Democratic strategist, has a background in advocating for progressive candidates and causes. He previously served as Co-Chair of the national LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Campaign Board and has been actively involved in local politics, including organizing for the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz presidential campaign in 2024. McDermott is originally from Cranston and spent his childhood in Pawtuxet Village.
The competition for the Ward 2 seat is heating up, with other candidates already in the race. Business owner David Caldwell, who operates Caldwell & Johnson, a residential construction company, is also contending for the position. Caldwell, who is President of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, has outlined a platform focused on environmental protection, preserving neighborhood character, promoting housing affordability, and advocating for the end of the state takeover of Providence schools.
Attorney Jeff Levy, from Levy & Blackman LLP, is another key candidate in the race. Levy emphasizes the need for progressive policies and aims to leverage his legal expertise to combat Republican election theft. His goals include making Providence welcoming and affordable for a diverse population, as well as addressing significant issues related to the city budget, schools, and housing.
Additionally, there is a prospective candidate, Jill Davidson, who serves as the director for the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council. Although she has filed a campaign account, she has not officially declared her candidacy yet. Candidates interested in running must submit their declarations to the Board of Canvassers on September 25 and 26, 2023.
Ward 2 is a critical area for city elections, often exhibiting high voter turnout. The winner of this special election will not only serve the remainder of Helen Anthony’s term until the end of 2026 but will also have the opportunity to run for three additional four-year terms thereafter. As a member of the City Council, the victor will secure a seat on the Finance Committee, which plays a pivotal role in vetting and approving the city budget and tax rates. The Providence City Council consists entirely of Democrats and consists of 15 seats, collectively seeking a veto-proof majority in opposition to Mayor Brett Smiley, who is also a Democrat.
With the approaching elections, candidates in Ward 2 will likely engage in various campaign strategies to attract voters and address the pressing issues facing Providence. The upcoming special elections will not only determine representation for the city but also influence key legislative decisions impacting local governance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Providence School Board Holds Community Listening Sessions
Councilwoman Helen Anthony Resigns to Focus on Health
Special Election in North Providence Will Fill Senate Vacancy
Providence Faces Competitive Election for Ward 2 City Council Seat
City Councilwoman Resigns to Focus on Recovery
Providence School Board Engages Community Through Listening Sessions
Federal Judge Rules in Warwick First Amendment Case
Providence Renames Rounds Avenue to Honor Rita Murphy
Former Rhode Island Governor Edward DiPrete Passes Away
Democratic Primary Set for Rhode Island’s Senate District 4
Additional Resources
- WPRI: Matt McDermott Enters Race for Vacant Providence City Council Ward 2 Seat
- Providence Journal: Providence City Council Ward 2 Race Information
- ABC6: Candidate Matthew McDermott Announces Bid for Vacant Providence City Council Seat
- Wikipedia: Providence, Rhode Island
- PBN: Providence to Hold Special Election to Fill Ward 2 Seat After Anthony’s Departure
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.
