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With three weeks to go before Rhode Islanders cast their ballots in the 2022 primary election, 12 News is holding a series of televised debates that will showcase where the candidates stand on the biggest issues facing the state and the nation.
The three Democratic candidates running for Providence mayor – Gonzalo Cuervo, Nirva LaFortune and Brett Smiley – faced off live in our studios Tuesday night. The debate was moderated by Target 12 Chief Investigative Reporter Tim White, 12 News Politics Editor Ted Nesi and Target 12 Providence reporter Steph Machado.
Watch the hour-long debate above. Below, representatives from all three campaigns give their take on the debate to digital reporter Adriana Rozas Rivera, plus Ted and Steph offer their analysis.
Photos: 12 News Providence Mayoral Debate
The candidates have participated in a radio and a TV debate so far, during which they sparred about Providence’s struggling school system.
Smiley remains the financial leader going into the final weeks of the campaign, with more than $418,000 left in his campaign account as of last week, while LaFortune and Cuervo each had roughly $100,000.
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12 News Debate Schedule
R.I. 2nd Congressional District Democratic Primary Debate
Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 8 p.m. on WPRI 12
R.I. Governor Democratic Primary Debate
Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. on WPRI 12
More debates will be featured on special editions of Newsmakers, 12 News’ long-running weekend politics show.
About WPRI 12: A Nexstar Media Inc. station, WPRI provides local news, network and syndicated entertainment and local programming to the viewers of the Providence, R.I./New Bedford, Mass., television market. WPRI 12 is known for broadcasting 12 News and delivering quality television and digital media.
About RWU: At Roger Williams University, students are prepared to be thinkers and doers ready to solve challenging problems with innovative solutions. RWU offers 50 majors and robust offerings of graduate and professional programs across eight schools of study including Rhode Island’s only law school, with campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I. With small classrooms and a focus on undergraduate and graduate research and community engagement, a Roger Williams education blends the strength of liberal arts and professional studies, providing all students with the depth and breadth of interdisciplinary thinking and well-rounded knowledge necessary to succeed in our interconnected, global world. RWU is committed to strengthening society through engaged scholarship so that students graduate with the ability to think critically and apply the practical skills that today’s employers demand.
