Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott wins reelection, AP projects

Baltimore’s incumbent Mayor Brandon Scott is the first Baltimore mayor to win reelection since 2004, beating candidate Shannon Wright, AP projects. 
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to the residents of Baltimore for granting me the opportunity to continue serving them as Mayor of Baltimore,” Scott said. “As we have said from the beginning of this race — the work is not done, and this victory is a mandate to double down on our efforts to keep building Baltimore’s renaissance and make our city into the best version of itself.”
Scott said his goal is to keep violent crime down, continue battling the vacant housing crisis and focus on young Baltimore residents. 
“Together, we will continue the progress on improving public safety the right way, tackling the issue of vacant housing, investing in our young people and modernizing city government to serve all Baltimoreans,” Scott said. “Let’s get back to back to work building a more equitable Charm City.”
Democratic Mayor Scott took office in December 2020, and Republican candidate Wright previously ran for mayor in the 2020 election but was defeated by Mayor Scott. 
Mayor Scott served as the Baltimore City Council president from 2019 to 2020. He also represented District 2 in the city council between 2011 and 2019.
Mayor Scott defeated former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon in the May primaries during her third run for mayor. Dixon left office in 2010 after being convicted of a misdemeanor for using gift cards meant for community members in need.
Mayor Scott would be the first Baltimore Mayor re-elected to the position since Martin O’Malley in 2004.
During his campaign for re-election, Scott touted his impact in reducing crime in Baltimore, growing the economy and investing in the city’s youth communities.
Scott has also been vocal in his opposition to Question H, a ballot question that will give voters the option to reduce the size of the city council from 14 seats to eight.
Scott argued the question would strip voters of representation, remove Black leaders from office and weaken access to local government.
Mayor Scott received endorsements from several local leaders, unions and organizations including Maryland Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, SEIU Locals 1199, 32BJ, and 500 and the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund.