Elorza Swamps Witman to Win Reelection for Mayor
Wednesday, November 07, 2018
Democratic incumbent Jorge Elorza defeated a late challenge from independent Dianne “Dee Dee” Witman.
With 83 percent of the vote counted in Providence, Elorza had 63.9 percent of the vote to Witman's 32.9 percent.
See one-on-one interview with Witman below.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTPolitical activist and political fundraiser Witman lost despite putting $500,000 into her campaign back in August as was first reported by GoLocal. She also received hundreds of thousands in independent expenditure funds supporting her effort, but her campaign started late – functionally not getting into gear until after the Democratic primary.
Elorza at the Democratic celebration at the Biltmore Hotel said, “When I set out to become mayor, I had no idea what the journey would entail.”
“Providence is on the right path,” he continued.
Elorza Claims Victory
Elorza touted his success in protecting Providence’s immigrant and LBGTQ communities. “We as a city stood up to Trump,” he said.
Elorza, according to the RI Campaign Finance documents hoarded his dollars – he is now sitting on more than $650,000 according to his seven days for the election report.
Rumors are rampant that Elorza is looking to run for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2020.
Elorza became mayor in 2014 after beating Vincent "Buddy" Cianci.
Since being in office, Elorza has promoted a “One Providence” initiative in an effort to help make marginalized communities living in Providence, including Muslims and LGBTQ+ persons.
