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Julian J. Smith

Independent
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What is Julian J. Smith running for?

Race
Governor of Rhode Island

Julian J. Smith is an independent candidate for Governor of Rhode Island in the 2026 election. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he graduated from Saint Raphael's Academy and earned an associate degree from the Community College of Rhode Island in 2022, and his career includes working as an IT manager. A 35-year-old Providence digital entrepreneur, he previously ran as an independent for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District in the 2023 special election; his campaign describes him as seeking to become the state's first African American governor and the youngest person to hold the office in modern history.

Where does Julian J. Smith stand on the issues?

Julian J. Smith has a recorded position on five issues. Each is Civoren's summary of the campaign's own public material, with the source linked.

  • Cannabis Policy & Equity

    Supports

    Wants to re-examine Rhode Island's laws and zoning to permit cannabis restaurants and smoking areas for tourists and residents.

    “I want to examine the laws and zoning laws for Cannabis's restaurant's and smoking areas across the state for tourist and residents.”

    ballotpedia.orgAs of July 2023

  • Crypto & Digital Assets

    Supports

    Wants to create a state-backed digital currency ecosystem ('City Coin' / RI-Coin) so Rhode Islanders can earn, mine, and build wealth, and to integrate blockchain into state infrastructure such as ticketing, transit, and local commerce.

    “My administration will pioneer a "City Coin" (RI-Coin) ecosystem, transforming the Ocean State into a global hub for decentralized finance (DeFi) and digital empowerment. This isn't just a currency; it's a new network of income designed specifically for our residents to earn, mine, and build wealth within our borders.”

    ballotpedia.orgAs of February 2026

  • Elder & Senior Protection

    Supports

    Advocates a 'Modern New Deal' for Rhode Island seniors: protecting Social Security and enacting a statewide senior property tax freeze for homeowners of 20+ years so seniors can age with dignity and financial security.

    “I will fight for a statewide Senior Property Tax Freeze if here 20+ years.”

    ballotpedia.orgAs of February 2026

  • Immigration

    Supports

    Wants to focus on immigration by creating more opportunities in education and job-training programs.

    “I mainly want to focus on immigration and how to create them more opportunities in education and job training programs and single parents and gender rights...”

    ballotpedia.orgAs of July 2023

  • Tourism

    Supports

    Wants to develop Rhode Island's entertainment and sports industries to attract more visitors, keep the state's graduates in Rhode Island, and create opportunities for youth.

    “Create more Entertainment and Sports opportunities for current and future generations to drive more visitors to our state and to keep our graduates in our state for decades.”

    ballotpedia.orgAs of July 2023

Education

Education details are not available yet

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Endorsements for Julian J. Smith

This candidate has not added endorsements yet
Support for Julian J. Smith · 9/20/2026

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Contact

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Others Running in This Election

View All Candidates Running for Governor of Rhode IslandView full race