The incumbent prosecutor, facing legal challenges, is defeated by defence attorney Ivan Bates in the Democratic primary.
Marilyn Mosby, the incumbent Baltimore State’s Attorney, has lost her bid for re-election in the Democratic primary to defence attorney Ivan Bates. Mosby, who rose to national prominence in 2015 for prosecuting six police officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray, faced mounting legal troubles of her own in the lead-up to the election.
Bates, who is the managing partner of the Baltimore law firm Bates and Garcia, campaigned on a platform calling for a change in leadership, focusing on the need for ethical, transparent, and effective prosecution. He defeated not only Mosby but also former assistant attorney general Thiru Vignarajah, a contender in the primary.
Baltimore, a predominantly Democratic city, has no Republican candidate in the race, but unaffiliated candidate Roya Hanna is set to run in the general election in November.
Mosby, who served two terms as State’s Attorney, became a controversial figure following the prosecution of the police officers involved in the Freddie Gray case. The charges, which sparked widespread protests and riots, were ultimately unsuccessful, as none of the officers were convicted. In January, Mosby was indicted by a grand jury on two counts each of perjury and making false statements in connection with a loan application to purchase properties in Florida. Mosby has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The indictment alleges that Mosby falsely claimed the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to withdraw $90,000 from her city retirement account, despite earning over $247,000 in salary in 2020, a year in which her pay was not reduced.
Bates’s victory comes amid increasing concerns over violent crime in Baltimore, which has seen more than 300 homicides annually over the past seven years. The city recorded its deadliest January in decades earlier this year, with 36 murders.
The Democratic primary results were delayed until Friday, as mail ballots, which were a significant factor in the outcome, could not be counted until the Thursday following the election. Maryland law mandates that counties cannot open mail ballots before this time. With this victory, Bates is now poised to challenge the city’s ongoing issues of crime and public safety.
