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Mayoral election in Annapolis, Maryland (2025)

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Local ballot measures • Municipal • How to run for office
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2021
2025 Annapolis elections
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Election dates
Filing deadline: July 28, 2025 &
October 29, 2025 (write-in)
Primary election: September 16, 2025
General election: November 4, 2025
Election stats
Offices up: Mayor
Total seats up: 1 (click here for other city elections)
Other municipal elections
U.S. municipal elections, 2025

The city of Annapolis, Maryland, is holding a general election for mayor on November 4, 2025. A primary was scheduled for September 16, 2025. The regular candidate filing deadline for this election was July 28, 2025, and the write-in candidate filing deadline is October 29, 2025.

As of 2025, Annapolis has term limits for the position of mayor. Mayors can serve two consecutive four-year terms and can run again after a four year break.

Ballotpedia comprehensively covers the 100 largest cities in the United States by population. Our coverage also includes mayors, city councils, and district attorneys in the 32 state capitals that are not already part of our largest cities coverage. Please note that there may be more offices on the ballot in this capital city than what is listed on this page.

Elections

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Candidates and results

General election

General election for Mayor of Annapolis

Jared Littmann and Bob O'Shea are running in the general election for Mayor of Annapolis on November 4, 2025.

Candidate
Image of Jared Littmann
Jared Littmann (D) Candidate Connection
Image of Bob O'Shea
Bob O'Shea (R) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Mayor of Annapolis

Jared Littmann defeated Rhonda Pindell Charles in the Democratic primary for Mayor of Annapolis on September 16, 2025.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jared Littmann
Jared Littmann Candidate Connection
 
67.1
 
2,594
Image of Rhonda Pindell Charles
Rhonda Pindell Charles
 
32.9
 
1,271

Total votes: 3,865
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Bob O'Shea advanced from the Republican primary for Mayor of Annapolis.

Additional elections on the ballot

See also: Maryland elections, 2025

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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Firstly, as mayor, I’ll focus on building a culture of inclusion and responsiveness at every level. We’ll start with better outreach: holding meetings in community centers, churches, and schools, not just City Hall. We’ll provide materials in multiple languages, offer childcare when possible, and create multiple ways for people to give input. I’ll launch a Mayor’s Community Cabinet made up of residents from every ward (especially those who’ve been underrepresented) to provide regular feedback. Finally, we’ll make city performance more visible. When residents can see what’s promised, what’s delivered, and what’s delayed, it builds accountability and trust. Leadership means listening, learning, and delivering results.

Second, I’m prepared to lead a budget process that’s thoughtful, transparent, and disciplined. I’ve managed budgets in the private sector for over 20 years as a small business owner here in Annapolis. I’ve had to make tough calls, deciding how to stretch limited resources without compromising service or quality. That’s experience I’ll bring to City Hall. I’ve also done this work as a City Council member, making difficult but necessary cuts and helping fund key priorities. I've been involved in large, complex financial transactions, including a $700 million sale to a private equity firm. And like many of you, I manage a family budget. I understand the value of a dollar, the stress of rising costs, and the importance of planning ahead.

Third, I have a plan for public safety that focuses on prevention, accountability, and smart investment. We can make Annapolis safer by filling open positions on our police force and hiring more civilian staff, equipping officers with modern tools and technology, investing in violence prevention programs, offering mentoring and recreation programs to at-risk youth, improving our mental health response, supporting reentry programs for returning citizens to reduce recidivism, and conducting an independent, professional audit of the Annapolis Police Department. I’ll lead with urgency, collaboration, and a commitment to making every neighborhood in Annapolis feel safe.
The budget in Annapolis has risen from 106 million in 2017 to over 200 million today. Public safety is underfunded. Our streets are lined with potholes & unfinished bike lanes. Our kids play on fields that turn to mud after rain. The pumps downtown have not been maintained. Too many dollars are tied up in administrative layers & redundancy, not in neighborhood needs. As mayor, I will freeze non-essential administrative growth & conduct a top-to-bottom efficiency audit. Then redirect the savings to paving, parks, stormwater, & facility upkeep. Annapolis residents deserve visible, reliable results for every tax dollar. As mayor, I will cut waste and invest in maintenance, prevention. I will reduce the budget for residents who fund it.

ANNAPOLIS Preservation:

Our city has a unique feel that makes Annapolis the place it is. That is why we are attracted to the area and tourists come to visit. Current City Administration and Officials are trying to make Annapolis another cookie cutter, overdeveloped destination that I vocally oppose. I support controlled development with a vision that makes Annapolis the Community that it is. I oppose the Spot Zoning Height Restrictions Relief that some past Zoning Individuals say IS NOT Spot Zoning.

CRIME / Safety:

For 2025, CrimeGrade.org gives Annapolis an Overall D- Rating, with Violent and Property Crime topping the statistics. Crime costs our city over $30 Million a year according to the report. Why are certain crime incidents NOT reported, such as Shots fired? Is this to lower the city’s actual Crime Statistics? ArcGIS reports incidents involving homicide, shootings, and shots fired are up 50% from 24 to 37 year-to-date. My administration will host regular community walks and resident listening sessions to build trust. Every neighborhood has a right to safety. As mayor, I will report all data honestly, invest in prevention, and have a visible, respectful police presence that reduces crime and protects residents.
In my view, the most important policy areas are: finding a solution to the rampant flooding at Annapolis City Dock; creating a simple and fair parking system that works for drivers, business owners, pedestrians, and cyclists alike; improving public safety and giving our police department the tools they need to keep us safe, while also addressing the root causes of crime; streamlining our permitting process to reduce red tape and make it easier to build; improving affordable housing options and getting short-term rentals under control; budgeting and planning strategically to avoid burdening future generations with debt; making our city more sustainable; and maintaining our infrastructure.
Budget (Reduce)

Annapolis Preservation (Enforce) Crime (Reduce and Promote Abiding to our Laws) Costs of Living (Stabilize, Lower) Overstaffed City Hall (Reduce, Create Efficiencies)

Planning, Zoning, Regulations (Empower Associates)
All those that have taken their time to Mentor me with NO personal gain in the back of their mind.
What sets me apart is how I lead and how I work. Time and money are precious, and I understand the urgency of the moment. As a former Annapolis Alderman, I was the lead sponsor of some of the most impactful legislation of that time. I’ve shown I can take on hard problems, build consensus, and get things done.

As a business owner for 20 years, I’ve been battle-tested having managed my store through the Great Recession and the Pandemic. I’ve managed budgets, led a team, and navigated challenges that required flexibility, planning, and accountability. I’ll bring that same approach to city government, especially now, when we may be heading into a period of reduced federal funding. The next mayor will need to pivot, rethink priorities, and make sure we’re focused on essential services and delivering what matters most: public safety, infrastructure, housing, and responsive government.

Professionally, I’ve worked on complex financial and legal matters, from a $700 million private equity transaction to a $20 million government contract. I’m ready to manage big issues like the city’s budget, the future of City Dock, and one of the largest lawsuits the city has ever faced.

I will take a customer service approach to city government. When someone walks into my store, we try to make them feel like they’re important, like they’re our guest. After all, they sign our paychecks. Because of our customer service, my store has been fortunate to win awards from the community, industry groups, and the Chamber of Commerce. I want to bring that culture to city government. As a constituent, when you’re interacting with your city government, you should feel that the city cares about you and that they’re trying to figure out a way to get to yes.

I will lead with competence, urgency, and integrity, and I’ll make sure that every dollar and decision reflects what matters most to our residents. I’m ready to do the work.
To be a Public Servant. NOT make decisions to enhance the elected officials personal life.
Decision Maker, Solid Leader, Mentor to Associates
The Solid Foundation that needs to be massaged to make it a Better City for ALL!
There are three issues facing the city that I would cite as our greatest challenges. The first is the outstanding lawsuit against the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA), which could prove devastating to the city budget. We need to help HACA succeed by streamlining the city’s permitting and planning process. Time lost is money lost, and the city must do its part. And we must work collaboratively with nearby residents to hear their concerns, particularly about traffic, parking, and infrastructure, and ensure they’re addressed as part of the planning process. This only works if we build trust, not division.

The second is the flooding at City Dock. We must build as quickly as possible the infrastructure needed to protect downtown businesses and residents from the devastation of flooding, which is happening more frequently than ever before. A key to this project is securing funding, which is an absolute priority for me. I will work diligently to acquire as much funding from outside city government as possible and complete the project. Building something this complicated and expensive will require regular adjustments and attention to detail. I will bring my expertise as an engineer, lawyer, and business executive to effectively collaborate with all stakeholders and segments of government.

The third is the high cost of living in Annapolis. This issue requires a targeted, thoughtful approach, one that improves affordability without overwhelming our roads, schools, or city services. We need to increase the housing stock by fixing our permitting process and pursuing projects like the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI). This $400 million plan to redevelop Eastport Terrace and Harbour House, and expand housing at the Spa Road site, would double the number of units to 700, with mixed-use, mixed-income housing. It has the potential to transform lives and neighborhoods if done right and in collaboration with residents and neighbors.
City Dock Renovation Program, Flood Mitigation, Affordable Housing for All, Taxes and Fees that are out of Control due to City Councils lack of ability to Control Spending. Safer Communities for ALL.
The two entities working together to enhance life for all. Look into Shared Services between State, County and City to Reduce Expenditures. The areas that work for all need to be implemented.
Work to be partners so the City can receive Grants and Funding for the cities needs and programs.
Working together to make Annapolis residents feel safe and secure for their families.
I am honored to have been endorsed by a wide variety of elected officials, government workers, business owners, and community leaders. My supporters include former Gov. Parris Glendening, state senator Shaneka Henson, state delegates Dylan Behler and Dana Jones, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, three former mayors of Annapolis, five current members of our City Council, the Annapolis Fire Fighters Union, the Annapolis Police Union, the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The full list can be found at https://www.jaredforannapolis.com/endorsements
Making a difference in someone's life that is not a close relation to myself.


Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Image of Jared Littmann

WebsiteFacebookYouTube

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "I am proud to be running for Annapolis mayor as the Democratic nominee. I have a record of service to our community as an Alderman, a dad, and small business owner, and even as a little league coach. My wife Marlene and I run K&B Ace Hardware, a family business that has been open for over 50 years. I also co-founded another business with my wife in the liquidation hardware niche, and was hired as a corporate director of the True Value Company where I served as Board Chair. From 2013-2017, I served as Ward 5 Alderman for the City of Annapolis and have a proven track record. Before that, I worked as a lawyer for seven years, including a clerkship for Circuit Court Judge Ann Harrington and four years in the County Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County as an Associate County Attorney, where I worked on environmental and electricity law issues, civil prosecutions, and legislation and procurements. I earned my law degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore with a focus on environmental law, and for undergrad went to Washington University in St. Louis, majoring in Engineering and Public Policy. Marlene and I have lived in Annapolis since 2010. We have two children, Isabel and Zach. I coached Isabel in soccer and then coached Zach in soccer and baseball for 10+ years. I’m running for Mayor because I want my kids, and yours, to have the same great city we did. I’ll address the challenges that the future will bring and protect the things that make Annapolis special."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


Firstly, as mayor, I’ll focus on building a culture of inclusion and responsiveness at every level. We’ll start with better outreach: holding meetings in community centers, churches, and schools, not just City Hall. We’ll provide materials in multiple languages, offer childcare when possible, and create multiple ways for people to give input. I’ll launch a Mayor’s Community Cabinet made up of residents from every ward (especially those who’ve been underrepresented) to provide regular feedback. Finally, we’ll make city performance more visible. When residents can see what’s promised, what’s delivered, and what’s delayed, it builds accountability and trust. Leadership means listening, learning, and delivering results.


Second, I’m prepared to lead a budget process that’s thoughtful, transparent, and disciplined. I’ve managed budgets in the private sector for over 20 years as a small business owner here in Annapolis. I’ve had to make tough calls, deciding how to stretch limited resources without compromising service or quality. That’s experience I’ll bring to City Hall. I’ve also done this work as a City Council member, making difficult but necessary cuts and helping fund key priorities. I've been involved in large, complex financial transactions, including a $700 million sale to a private equity firm. And like many of you, I manage a family budget. I understand the value of a dollar, the stress of rising costs, and the importance of planning ahead.


Third, I have a plan for public safety that focuses on prevention, accountability, and smart investment. We can make Annapolis safer by filling open positions on our police force and hiring more civilian staff, equipping officers with modern tools and technology, investing in violence prevention programs, offering mentoring and recreation programs to at-risk youth, improving our mental health response, supporting reentry programs for returning citizens to reduce recidivism, and conducting an independent, professional audit of the Annapolis Police Department. I’ll lead with urgency, collaboration, and a commitment to making every neighborhood in Annapolis feel safe.

Image of Bob O'Shea

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "My name is Bobby O’Shea, and I am seeking your vote for the Mayor of Annapolis on the 11/2025 election. I grew up in Canandaigua, a small waterfront town in upstate New York. Canandaigua, in Seneca, means “The Chosen Spot.” I fell in love with the waterman’s way of life boating on Finger Lakes and fishing off the city pier. My mom and dad, Diana and Bob, taught me to love and respect native cultures and heritage. I am passionate about preserving history truthfully, no matter how painful it may be. In 2000, I chose Annapolis as my home because of its beauty, diverse history, and the Chesapeake Bay. My son, Trey, and I reside in Murray Hill. The ‘man’ in charge of our home is Togo, our faithful dog. Another important part of our family are the seven midshipmen we have sponsored. I was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Naval Academy Primary School. To this day I enjoy attending events at the ‘Little White Schoolhouse’ on Greenbury Point. I understand the key to success is a good education. As mayor I will work with the county and local non-profits to ensure our schools have all the resources they need, so every child thrives. I am running to be the next mayor of Annapolis because of the love and passion I have for this place we call home. Annapolis is the eight unique wards with their own distinct character and history. I want your vote so together we can make Annapolis the city she was always meant to be. This will promote Transparency, Accountability, Accessibility !"


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


The budget in Annapolis has risen from 106 million in 2017 to over 200 million today. Public safety is underfunded. Our streets are lined with potholes & unfinished bike lanes. Our kids play on fields that turn to mud after rain. The pumps downtown have not been maintained. Too many dollars are tied up in administrative layers & redundancy, not in neighborhood needs. As mayor, I will freeze non-essential administrative growth & conduct a top-to-bottom efficiency audit. Then redirect the savings to paving, parks, stormwater, & facility upkeep. Annapolis residents deserve visible, reliable results for every tax dollar. As mayor, I will cut waste and invest in maintenance, prevention. I will reduce the budget for residents who fund it.


ANNAPOLIS Preservation: Our city has a unique feel that makes Annapolis the place it is. That is why we are attracted to the area and tourists come to visit. Current City Administration and Officials are trying to make Annapolis another cookie cutter, overdeveloped destination that I vocally oppose. I support controlled development with a vision that makes Annapolis the Community that it is. I oppose the Spot Zoning Height Restrictions Relief that some past Zoning Individuals say IS NOT Spot Zoning.


CRIME / Safety: For 2025, CrimeGrade.org gives Annapolis an Overall D- Rating, with Violent and Property Crime topping the statistics. Crime costs our city over $30 Million a year according to the report. Why are certain crime incidents NOT reported, such as Shots fired? Is this to lower the city’s actual Crime Statistics? ArcGIS reports incidents involving homicide, shootings, and shots fired are up 50% from 24 to 37 year-to-date. My administration will host regular community walks and resident listening sessions to build trust. Every neighborhood has a right to safety. As mayor, I will report all data honestly, invest in prevention, and have a visible, respectful police presence that reduces crime and protects residents.

-->

Mayoral partisanship

Annapolis has a Democratic mayor. As of October 2025, the mayors of 35 state capitals are affiliated with the Democratic Party, seven are Republicans, one is independent, and two are nonpartisan. The partisan affiliation of five state capital mayors is unknown. While most mayoral elections in state capital cities are nonpartisan, most officeholders are affiliated with a political party.

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About the city

See also: Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis is a city in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. As of 2020, its population was 40,812.

City government

See also: Mayor-council government and Council-manager government

The city of Annapolis utilizes a council-manager system combined with a strong mayor. In this form of municipal government, the city council serves as the city's primary legislative body and the mayor serves as the city's chief executive. The mayor, however, appoints a city manager to oversee the city's day-to-day operations and execute city policies.[1]

Demographics

The following table displays demographic data provided by the United States Census Bureau.

Demographic Data for Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis Maryland
Population 40,812 6,177,224
Land area (sq mi) 7 9,711
Race and ethnicity**
White 61.2% 54.2%
Black/African American 21% 29.9%
Asian 2.1% 6.4%
Native American 0.1% 0.3%
Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Other (single race) N/A 4.7%
Multiple 3.6% 4.5%
Hispanic/Latino 20.1% 10.3%
Education
High school graduation rate 88.8% 90.6%
College graduation rate 50% 40.9%
Income
Median household income $87,897 $87,063
Persons below poverty level 10.1% 9%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2015-2020).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.


See also

Annapolis, Maryland Maryland Municipal government Other local coverage
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External links

Footnotes