Can Brandon Scott run again? Baltimore mayor to fundraise in Martha's Vineyard

Yahoo

a day ago

BALTIMORE — Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott will headline a major campaign fundraiser on Martha's Vineyard this month, suggesting he may try to run for a third mayoral term in 2028.
An invitation to the Aug. 20 fundraiser in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, describes the event as 'a reception in support of' Scott. The online link to donate shows its purpose is to 'reelect' Charm City's mayor.
To attend Scott's fundraiser, it will cost $250 to go as a 'Friend,' $500 as a 'Patron,' $1,000 as a 'Sponsor,' and $2,500 as a 'Host.' A group called 'People for Brandon M. Scott,' based at 1215 E. Fort Ave. in Baltimore, is accepting check donations.
Scott's office did not immediately respond to The Baltimore Sun's questions about the cost of other city officials attending the fundraiser and what the mayor hopes to gain from soliciting donations on wealthy Martha's Vineyard. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks visited the island for campaign fundraisers in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
The fundraiser is coordinated by ActBlue, the major Democratic Party-aligned political action committee that President Donald Trump has threatened to investigate for alleged 'campaign finance violations.' The group raised nearly $800 million in the first half of 2025, according to federal campaign finance reports.
Can Scott run in 2028?
First elected in 2020 and reelected last year, Scott is eligible to run for a third term despite Baltimore voters approving Question K in 2022. This ballot initiative established a limit of two terms in a 12-year period for various city positions, including the mayor, comptroller, and all Baltimore City Council members.
But because Question K rules did not take effect until 2024, Scott is currently serving his first term under the new system — meaning he could serve until 2032 and became the first Baltimore mayor since Kurt Schmoke to hold the job for 12 consecutive years.
Scott has not formally announced his intent to run for a third term in 2028, but is expected to do so. Funds from his local campaign account could also be used to run for other positions in Maryland, but not for federal office.
Like Scott, City Comptroller Bill Henry was first elected in 2020, reelected in 2024 and could win a third term in 2028. City Council President Zeke Cohen, who was first elected to that position in 2024, and freshman councilmen like District 11's Zac Blanchard, would not be eligible to run for a third term in 2032 — though they could try again in 2036.
Scott's second term
The first Baltimore mayor to be reelected since Martin O'Malley, Scott's second term has seen significant reductions in violent crime so far.
Through July 2025, homicides in the city dropped by nearly one-quarter and shootings by nearly one-fifth compared to 2024 levels. Scott has credited his Group Violence Reduction Strategy with improving public safety, while others have also pointed to State's Attorney Ivan Bates' aggressive approach to prosecuting criminals.
Scott's proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which partially sought to close an $85 million deficit by raising various 'fines and fees' while boosting pay for top staffers, drew some criticism from some city leaders. Ultimately, the City Council passed the budget in a decisive 13-2 vote with most of the mayor's original proposals intact.
Under Scott, Baltimore continues to grapple with an opioid crisis among the nation's worst — a problem made evident by last month's mass overdose in Penn North. The city is planning to put $400 million in settlements from pharmaceutical companies toward harm reduction efforts, a strategy that tries to meet drug addicts 'where they are' instead of forcing treatment or incarceration.
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