Democrat Turned Independent Candidate Could Shake Up The State's Attorney Race

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Baltimore's City state's attorney race could be an attention-grabber this fall. A Democrat-turned Independent waits for the Board of Elections to determine if he has enough valid signatures to appear on the November ballot.

Political reporter Pat Warren reports he would face a tough opponent in the city's democratic primary winner.

Attorney Russell Neverdon waits to see if his petition to run as an independent for city state's attorney meets the mark.

He intends to challenge Democrat Marilyn Mosby whose upset victory over incumbent Gregg Bernstein puts her on the November ballot.

"When someone is assaulted or unfortunately shot or murdered, they're not looking at your voter registration to see whether you're a Democrat, Republican or Independent," Neverdon said.

Neverdon says he switched from Democrat to Independent to avoid a three-way race in the primary and with no Republican in the race, give Baltimore voters a choice in the General Election.

Mosby tells WJZ she is not taking victory for granted.

"We're looking forward to the General Election. We're going to have to run a campaign there as well, but we're very optimistic," Mosby said.

Neverdon expects his independent status to draw support outside and inside the pool of Democrats.

"I too was a registered Democrat and for years had participated with the party, but at the end of the day we can't afford any more division amongst ourselves. It is truly about this city, one Baltimore being unified to fight the issue of violent crime in our city," Neverdon said.

Mosby echoes that sentiment and says in a statement "I look forward to uniting Democrats with other concerned citizens as we bring our message of change to the entire city of Baltimore."

The Board of Elections has to certify 41,050 signatures to put Neverdon on the ballot.

The board has until Aug. 24 to make its determination.

The General Election is Nov. 4 when Marylanders will also elect a new governor, General Assembly, and members of Congress.

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