Baltimore Progressive Prosecutor Marilyn Mosby Defeated in Reelection Bid

Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore’s high-profile progressive prosecutor who was indicted on federal charges, has lost her second reelection bid in the Democratic primary.

According to the unofficial election results by the Maryland State Board of Elections, Ivan Bates led by 26,660 votes or 39.8 percent, Thiru Vignarajah got 30.4 percent, and Mosby came in third, at 29.8 percent.

Bates, a criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, criticized Mosby on the campaign trail over what he called the mismanagement and incompetence of her office. He often said that he ran to make Baltimore safer.

“I am humble, grateful, and excited that Baltimore decided it was time for a change, and the voters have placed their trust and belief in me,” Bates wrote to his supporters in an email announcing his victory on July 23.

“The job of helping build a safer Baltimore is a tremendous challenge. I am ready to lead—and to work with collaborators of all stripes to help make that a reality,” he wrote.

Under Mosby’s two terms, Baltimore’s murders rose steadily, averaging 333 every year between 2015 and 2021. This year’s murders are on track to surpass that of 2021, according to Baltimore Police Department data.

During Mosby’s predecessor Gregg Bernstein’s final term, the city had a yearly average of 215 murders.

To fight crime, Bates proposes a five-point prosecution plan (pdf), including putting more resources into prosecuting illegal gun possessors, users, and traffickers, according to his campaign website.

He ran against Mosby in the 2018 primary and lost.

City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby (C) departs the courthouse in Baltimore on June 23, 2016. (Bryan Woolston/Reuters)

Mosby wrote in a social media post to her supporters on July 23: “I am grateful to my family and my colleagues in the State’s Attorney’s office for their commitment to our city

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