With a message emphasizing the high cost of living in Rhode Island’s capital city, state Rep. David Morales announced a challenge on Monday to Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in next year’s primary election.

“It’s time City Hall worked for us,” Morales said in a video announcing his campaign .

“For too long, politicians like Brett Smiley have asked us to trust their experience while working families are struggling to get by,” Morales continued. “The cost of living is crushing us.”

Citing a ranking by real estate company Redfin , he said Providence this year became the least affordable city in America for renters.

Morales said he supports capping annual rent increases at 4% and charging a lower rate of property tax for less valuable homes.

With $1 million in his campaign account, Smi

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