Lawyer Announces Candidacy For Baltimore State's Attorney

BALTIMORE (AP) — State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby faces a new political challenger. She still has nearly two years in office, but Marilyn Mosby is already facing her first challenger for the position of City State's Attorney. Attorney Chad Curlett says he will run against Mosby in 2018.

Chad Curlett is the first to announce he'll challenge Mosby, and experts say more are expected to follow.

She faces challenges in the courtroom, now Marilyn Mosby is facing a new political challenge. Criminal Attorney Chad Curlett is vying for Mosby's seat in 2018, saying he has the experience to take on the job.

"I think Baltimore needs a change of leadership in the State's Attorney's office," says Curlett.

Charles "Chad" Curlett Jr. is a former New York prosecutor and says that he will run for top prosecutor in the Democratic primary next June. He filed preliminary paperwork in the fall, and again last week.

"I think you have to have effective leadership within the office to recruit and retain good people," says Curlett.

The primary election is still a year and a half away. Some say the timing of Curlett's announcement is no mistake.

"The timing may be altered because the State's Attorney, Ms. Mosby, is literally on the defensive," says political scientist Matthew Crenson.

Last week, a federal judge ruled a lawsuit against Marilyn Mosby, brought by five officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray will move forward.

Mosby is accused of malicious prosecution. Political scientist Matthew Crenson says it may not matter which way it goes.

"Even if the lawsuit fails, it will still leave a mark," says Crenson.

"I heard your call for no justice no peace," says Mosby.

Mosby was thrust into the national spotlight during the Gray case, appearing in Vogue Magazine and on stage with singer, Prince. But, she's taken heavy criticism after failing to secure a single conviction.

"If you bring a case into court on a foundation of sand, it will crumble," says Curlett.

Curlett is now the first in what's expected to be a crowded field of candidates, with a race that's sure to gain national attention. Mosby has not yet said if she plans to run for re-election. The primary election is not until June 26, 2018.

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