Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi , an independent with a well-known aversion to party politics , is on track to win a third term in office.
As of 8:32 p.m., Picozzi had 72.4% of the vote. His Democratic challenger, Leah Hazelwood , had 19.5% of the vote. Eighty-five percent of precincts had reported results, and mail ballots had not yet been counted.
Patrick Maloney Jr., a lesser-known independent, had 7.7% of the vote.
Early election results also showed Democrats on track to win eight of nine City Council seats.
Mayor became famous for Christmas display
Picozzi, a former vinyl siding contractor with a blue-collar background, became widely celebrated in the city for his annual Christmas light display and was first elected in 2020.
During his time in office, he has drawn the ire of Democrats by feuding with the Rhode Island Airport Corp. over plans for a new cargo terminal at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport due to concerns about the impact on nearby residents.