In a surprise move, Providence City Council president won’t run for re-election

PROVIDENCE — In a surprise move that will shake up the dynamics in City Hall, City Council President Rachel Miller said she will not seek re-election to a third term representing Federal Hill and the city’s West End.

Read more Enormous etchings of numbers interpreted as threat to Trump appear on National Mall

Miller, a Democrat, made the announcement on Facebook and in a video interview with independent journalist Steve Ahlquist, where she said she had made the “difficult decision not to run for re-election so I can be more present for other parts of my life.”

In an interview with the Globe, Miller said she had been planning to run for a third term until recently, and was stepping away for personal and family reasons. Miller works full time at Building Futures, a nonprofit.

Her exit opens up both the presidency of the council and a seat in Ward 13, one of the most progressive areas of the city, just two weeks before the June 24 deadline for candidates to run.

Annajane Yolken, a first-time candidate, said Thursday she is planning to run for the seat. Yolken, a 37-year-old progressive Democrat who lives in Federal Hill, works at Project Weber/RENEW, a nonprofit that works in overdose prevention and recovery.

She told the Globe she has been looking to translate what she does in her day job into policy work, and had spoken to Miller about the future of the ward prior to Thursday’s announcement. Miller said she is supporting Yolken.

Other candidates had not immediately emerged as of Thursday afternoon.

Miller was first elected to represent Ward 13 in 2018 after being involved in left-wing activism in the city, and ascended to president of the council in 2023 at the start of her second term. Most recently, she led the high-profile effort to limit rent increases in the city, which failed to survive a veto by Mayor Brett Smiley.

While she didn’t get the legislation over the finish line, Miller said she was proud that “people all over the city who really don’t engage very often with local government decisions” were talking about it.

Read more MIAA spring state championships live updates: Thursday’s title slate opens with girls’ rugby final

“Having the Providence City Council pass the thing, even though we weren’t able to overcome the veto, is a huge landmark moment,” Miller said. “I don’t think that conversation’s going anywhere.”

Depending on who leads the council next term, the legislation could be considered again.

The council shifted to the left in its most recent term, after new members were elected in 2022 to replace long-term councilors who were term-limited.

All 15 seats are up for election again this fall.

Miller said under her leadership, the council shifted its focus to “people who are struggling in our city.” She recalled opening the City Council chamber as a warming shelter after Councilors Justin Roias and Miguel Sanchez noticed there were not enough emergency shelters on a freezing night.

Miller said she was also proud of legislation passed last week to improve police oversight, and legislation to limit police interactions with immigration enforcement.

She said she plans to stay involved with political organizing, but doesn’t know if she would ever run for office again.

Read more Brockton mayor responds to allegations after a mother confronts him at graduation ceremony

“I have no idea,” Miller said. “I never expected to run the first time.”