In a startling turn of events, Michael English, a Democrat with a deeply troubling past, has announced his candidacy for mayor of Providence, Rhode Island.
English, now 54, was convicted of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 1997 and later violated a no-contact order with the same victim. His criminal history has resurfaced just days after he declared his intention to run in the 2026 mayoral race.
English's past crimes are well-documented. As reported by The Providence Journal, he engaged in multiple sexual acts with the underage girl when he was 26. In 1998, he pleaded no contest to charges including first-degree child molestation, sexual assault, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Despite the severity of his offenses, English received a lenient sentence.
The Attorney General's Office had recommended a 40-year sentence with seven years to serve, but Superior Court Judge Ronald Gagnon issued a 20-year sentence, suspending all but 18 months. English ultimately served just 15 months due to good behavior.
English's legal troubles did not end there. In 2009, he was convicted of violating a no-contact order after attempting to reach out to his victim again, resulting in an additional 19-month prison sentence. He claimed that his proximity to the victim's home was coincidental, as he was living across the street.
Despite his past, English is not listed on Rhode Island's public sex offender registry. His conviction occurred before the implementation of stricter laws, and a court determined he only needed to register locally for a decade. English now asserts that he has transformed his life, emphasizing the degrees he earned while incarcerated and dismissing his past actions as "immature decisions."
English addressed those who believe his criminal record should bar him from public office, stating, "Theyd be wrong, legally. They also should calculate what did I do from then." He further told The Providence Journal, "If I havent showed how to go from nothing to something again, then no one will."
His campaign platform focuses on protecting vulnerable citizens and addressing perceived failures in Providence's current leadership. His website outlines his commitment to reforming policing, fixing the city's retirement system, and reclaiming control of local schools from the state to ensure accountability and pride in education.
English's candidacy raises significant questions about the standards for public office and the potential for redemption. While he insists that his past should not define his ability to lead, the gravity of his crimes and the leniency of his punishment continue to cast a long shadow over his political aspirations.
As Providence voters consider their options, English's controversial history will undoubtedly remain a focal point in the upcoming mayoral race.
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