On Tuesday, Mayor Brandon Scott was sworn in for his second term at Morgan State University, becoming the first Baltimore mayor in 20 years to win reelection.
Scott pledges to bring stability and progress to a city that has seen five mayors in the last two decades.
During his inaugural address, Scott reflected on the tumultuous history of Baltimore’s leadership and vowed to close the chapter of uncertainty. “Today, we mark the closure of that chapter of uncertainty that has plagued our city and close it for good,” he said.
Scott secured his second term in office after a victory in the Democratic primary, where he faced off against former Mayor Sheila Dixon in a rematch of the 2020 election. Scott’s campaign focused on continuity and building on the progress made during his first term, particularly his holistic approach to addressing crime, which contributed to Baltimore seeing fewer than 300 homicides for the first time in nearly a decade.
The inaugural event celebrated Baltimore’s future, featuring speeches from prominent leaders, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore and U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume.
“The Baltimore renaissance is here. The Baltimore renaissance is now. And Baltimore, we know who its leader is going to be,” Moore shared.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by his administration, Scott noted, “On top of COVID, Baltimore’s City Hall had not had consistent leadership… While gun violence reached historic levels, City Hall was in desperate need of change, stability, and vision.” His re-election, he said, signals Baltimoreans’ desire for long-term solutions and continued progress.
“I witnessed my first shooting before my ninth birthday… After it happened, it was that feeling of fear and frustration that took over,” the mayor shared about his personal connection to the city’s struggles.
Scott outlined the “five pillars” of his administration—building public safety, prioritizing youth, fostering clean and healthy communities, advancing equitable neighborhood development, and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources. During his first term, these principles guided the city to reductions in gun violence and significant investment in youth programs and community development.
The mayor also took a moment to address his position as a young Black man leading Baltimore. “I am especially aware of how rare it still is—in this city and across this country—for young Black men who grew up in the type of neighborhood where I grew up to be entrusted with leadership in executive positions.”
We look forward to seeing the growth of the city of Baltimore.
