Jack Young Kicks Off Baltimore Mayoral Campaign
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — It's official. Baltimore mayor Jack Young is running for mayor.
His decision comes months after he took office to replace Catherine Pugh, who resigned in May.
"I seek your vote to remain serving as your mayor," Young told a crowd of supporters gathered to hear his announcement, which was met with an enthusiastic chant of "Jack! Jack! Jack!"
Baltimore county executive Johnny Olszewski, Anne Arundel county executive Stuert Pittman and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen declared their support for Young.
"I believe that Jack Young has earned the right to take the city in next phase," Van Hollen told the crowd.
Five months ago then-city council president Young was sworn in as mayor to finish the term vacated by Pugh, who resigned after the "Healthy Holly" book deal scandal.
"Baltimore I was humbled to become your 51st mayor five months ago," said Young. "As you all know we came into office at a difficult moment but we provided a steady hand to move Baltimore forward at a time our city needed it most."
Young initially said he intended to run again for city council president at the end of this term, but has changed his mind.
In the interim, Brandon Scott -- who was voted council president when Young became mayor -- has announced he is running for mayor.
Baltimore now has both the sitting mayor and the council president in a race for the same office in the democratic primary.
