Democrat Jared Littmann officially voted as Annapolis's 138th mayor

Democrat Jared Littmann will be the new mayor of Annapolis, after defeating Republican challenger Bob O'Shea, the Board of Elections confirmed.

Littmann received about 4,000 more votes than O'Shea after all of the ballots were counted.

Our partners at the Baltimore Banner reported on Election Night that O'Shea called Littmann to congratulate him, saying, "Jared did a really nice job. I told him congrats, I wished him luck." 

"The large margin is certainly indicative of a message that the things I've been talking about, the unsexy issues of just good governance and government working the way it's supposed to work, resonated well," Littmann, a former Alderman and business owner, told WJZ.

Littmann will become the 138th mayor of Annapolis, replacing term-limited Gavin Buckley, a Democrat, who has served since 2017. 

The new mayor will be sworn in on Monday, December 1.

Jared Littmann's campaign

Democrat Littmann is a New Jersey native who has lived in Annapolis since 2010. His campaign goals focus on climate resilience, affordable housing, accountability in city government, and improving infrastructure. 

He and his wife, Marlene, co-own K&B Ace Hardware, which employs nearly 25 people.

Littmann was a lawyer for about seven years before he began working at his in-laws' store in 2004. He bought it in 2007. 

He defeated Rhonda Pindell Charles in the primary election, receiving nearly 67% of the votes.

Littmann said he's determined to make the city run more efficiently by reviewing the most critical departments and doing a nationwide search for a city manager.

He's also determined to get the City Dock Resiliency Project done as quickly as possible, by prioritizing flood prevention over amenities.

"I think I'm more hesitant about committing to the non-resilient aspects of the project until we have more assurance of where the funding is coming from," Littman said. "I'm not dismissive or insulting of the Maritime Welcome Center. I just want to make sure, or try to get that funded by outside sources, so our taxpayers are not paying for it."    

Voting on key issues

Voters told WJZ they are ready for change.

"I think just anyone new is really good," said voter Mike Sullivan.

"We need someone to help the people. When I say the people, I mean all people," added voter Alice Johnson.

Taxes and development are also top of mind for longtime residents, especially those who feel the city has become harder to afford.

"Our property taxes have gone up like fivefold in the last eight years; it's out of control," Sullivan said. "I want to see our property taxes come down, I want to see the parking get better, I want this city to be more resident-friendly."

Younger voters point to housing affordability, along with the ongoing work to protect downtown from chronic flooding, especially around City Dock.

"I'd like to see a mayor who's going to try and build an Annapolis where everyone has an opportunity to succeed, and someone who is going to get the City Dock done so we stop the flooding," voter Fish Stark said.

Another challenge facing the next mayor is that a federal class-action lawsuit against the housing authority could cost the city tens of millions, depending on how it's resolved.