The 2026 mayoral race in Providence is heating up, with a controversial figure entering the fray.
Michael English, a Democrat with a criminal past involving child molestation, has announced his candidacy, joining incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley and state Rep. David Morales in the contest.
English's entry into the race has raised eyebrows and concerns, given his history of sexual crimes involving a minor.
As reported by the Providence Journal, English, 54, is a convicted child molester who served multiple prison sentences for sexual crimes involving a 13-year-old girl. In his campaign announcement, English vaguely referred to immature decisions that had led to his incarceration, but did not disclose the severity of these crimes.
His criminal record includes four felony counts, including first-degree and second-degree child molestation, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
In 1997, English, then 26, engaged in sexual acts with a minor at various locations across northern Rhode Island. He pleaded no contest to the charges in 1998. Despite prosecutors recommending a 40-year sentence, a Superior Court judge handed English a 20-year sentence with more than 90 percent suspended, leading to his release after just 15 months for good behavior.
English's criminal history did not end there. He later violated a court-ordered no-contact order involving the same victim. In 2009, the victim reported that English had attempted to initiate contact. He was found guilty and sentenced to five more years, serving nearly two additional years before being placed under house arrest.
Despite his criminal past, English is not listed on the Rhode Island Sex Offender Registry due to a court ruling that limited his registration requirement to ten years, which expired in 2007. His criminal file was rendered confidential due to court policy, as it predated July 20, 1998, effectively hiding it from public view.
English defended his candidacy, stating that his criminal history should not disqualify him from running for public office. He said, Theyd be wrong, legally. They also should calculate what did I do from then.
He highlighted his achievements since his release, including completing a General Educational Development course while in prison, receiving a paralegal certification, pursuing ministry studies, and graduating with bachelors and masters degrees in international business. He also mentioned raising two children and having matured since his release.
According to his campaign website, English received a bachelors, masters and doctorate of arts in ministry from United Graduate College and Seminary from 2004 to 2008. He then received a bachelor of arts in international business from Ashford University in 2017, and a master of business administration from the same school in 2019. He asserted, If I havent showed how to go from nothing to something again, then no one will.
English's main campaign focus is his dissatisfaction with Mayor Smiley and the belief that either Smiley or Morales would win the race next year. He emphasized his deep roots in Rhode Island, stating that he knows a lot more about the state as someone born and raised there.
Despite his confidence, English's criminal past and the manner in which it was concealed raise serious questions about his suitability for public office.
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