Brandon Scott’s endorsement sweep signals his growing influence beyond City Hall

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott says he does not make endorsements lightly. He’s looking for partners to continue what he says is the city’s upward trajectory.

“I am very, very calculated, and I do my research,” he said. “We’re going to have the necessary conversation with them. But then also working through, talking to residents, and people and how they feel, obviously looking into the operation and the things that need to happen.”

It’s a strategy that seems to have worked. All six Scott-backed candidates won their June primaries.

The mayor bucked much of the state’s political establishment, including Gov. Wes Moore and U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, in supporting Sabrina Tapp-Harper, who defeated city Sheriff Sam Cogen. And he endorsed state Senate President Bill Ferguson even as Moore refused to do so amid a flap over redistricting.

Scott, who said he has known Tapp-Harper since his first day as a staffer in City Hall in 2007, said he backed her because of her strong relationship with the community and law enforcement. He said he also wanted the opportunity to make history: She is the city’s first Black woman sheriff.

T.J. Smith, radio host on WBAL 1090, said Scott’s endorsement sweep “speaks to his political strength.”

The first Baltimore mayor in two decades elected to a second term, Scott has presided over a largely drama-free administration. Many candidates want his endorsement, which is good for them — and good for Scott, political analysts say.

The 42-year-old said last summer that he would seek a third term in 2028. He has also been discussed as a potential future candidate for Congress or Maryland governor.

Scott, in Martha’s Vineyard this week for fundraisers and a fireside chat about fatherhood, is also riding a wave of good publicity for Baltimore. The New York Times published a story this week about the city’s plunging homicide rate; The Wall Street Journal ran a headline about bidding wars on the city’s abandoned homes.

He plugged both stories on social media. “For years, the naysayers have counted Baltimore out,” he wrote on Instagram. “But the numbers across the board are telling a different story.”

Scott is showing that Baltimore is a “mayor’s-run city,” said Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, a professor of communication and African and African American studies at Loyola University Maryland.

She said he has a different style of engagement and brings a freshness to the role, making him popular among older and younger Baltimoreans.

“He has very large coattails, to his credit at this moment,” Whitehead said.

Scott said he was mindful of the city’s progress as he contemplated whom to endorse.

“In this particular cycle that we’re in, I really wanted to focus on people who were in the best position to help keep us building this historic progress that we’re making in the city on public safety, on vacancy, on investment into youth, education,” he said.

Ryan Turner sought out Scott’s endorsement for the House of Delegates seat in District 41.

Turner said he was drawn to Scott because of his “commitment to public safety, youth opportunity, and neighborhood investment.”

“I wanted my supporters to see that alignment and understand the kind of leadership I hope to bring to Annapolis,” Turner said.

“It also created opportunities to talk about the progress Baltimore is making and the importance of strong partnerships between City Hall and the state,” he said. “Voters want leaders who can work together to deliver results, and his support reinforced that message.”

Del. Malcolm Ruff said Scott’s endorsement was “critical to the success” of his campaign. The District 41 representative convincingly defeated state Sen. Dalya Attar after a contentious Democratic state Senate primary that included federal extortion charges. Most of those charges have since been dismissed.

“I truly respect that he didn’t play it safe, but instead he did what was best for the city despite what some might believe was in his best political interest,” Ruff said. “We grew up in the same neighborhood and believe in the same values.”

Ruff said he “absolutely saw an increase in support” after Scott’s endorsement a month before the election.

Scott has avoided the scandals that plagued his predecessors while steering the city at a time of key wins, such as a reduced homicide rate, said Mileah Kromer, director of UMBC’s Institute of Politics.

“He has created a model in a major American city that has been plagued by crime,” Kromer said. “It’s nothing short of impressive. It’s going to get a lot of attention on him.”

Turner said he sought Scott’s endorsement after being inspired by Baltimore mayors who reflect the communities they serve.

“Mayor Kurt Schmoke was my first real mayoral inspiration, and over the years I’ve continued to appreciate leaders who demonstrate what’s possible for Baltimore,” Turner said.

Current City Council member Paris Gray said Scott’s endorsement in 2024 mattered because the mayor was intentional about aligning with people committed to better outcomes for all of Baltimore.

“In a very close race, his support helped bring additional volunteers and reach more voters, but it was one part of a much broader coalition that helped us win,” Gray said.

Since taking office, Scott has been “a valuable sounding board,” Gray added.

“We were both figuring out what it means to serve the public while raising young kids,” Gray said. “Having someone who gets that balance, who understands the late nights and early mornings that come with both jobs, has made a real difference.”

Scott said he lends his advice to elected officials in Baltimore and throughout the country to “help people grow into the best version of themselves.”

“I had people do that for me, and I also had people who did the opposite as well,” he said.

When asked if Scott was worried that any of his endorsed candidates would lose this cycle, he immediately responded with a cool “No.”

His confidence, he said, comes from confidence in Baltimore.

“I knew we had the best people,” he said. “Despite what people think, Baltimoreans know what and who is best for them.”