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State's Attorney · Baltimore City · 2026 Primary
The State’s Attorney is the county’s lead prosecutor, responsible for managing the legal office that handles all criminal cases on behalf of the public. This official decides whether to bring formal charges against individuals, oversees criminal trials, and works with law enforcement to address local crime. Because they determine how laws are enforced and which cases are prioritized, this office significantly shapes public safety and the local justice system.
View all candidates in this raceIvan J. Bates is the Baltimore City State's Attorney, elected in 2022 and sworn in on January 3, 2023. An Army veteran with over 25 years of legal experience, he previously served as a prosecutor from 1996 to 2002 and later founded the law firm Bates and Garcia, LLC. He describes himself as a strong public servant and dedicated family man committed to fighting for fairness and accountability in Baltimore's justice system. Since taking office, his campaign highlights significant reforms aimed at enhancing public safety, including reinstating prosecution of low-level offenses and advocating for increased sentences for illegal handgun possession. Bates emphasizes transparency and integrity, noting he withdrew a motion to vacate Adnan Syed's conviction to uphold judicial process standards. He cites a 39.5% drop in homicides from 2022 to 2024 as evidence of his office's impact on public safety. His background includes education at Howard University and William & Mary Law School, where he was inspired by Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Sources: Campaign website
Public Safety
Reinstated prosecution of low-level offenses and advocated for increased sentences for illegal handgun possession.
“He reinstated the prosecution of low-level offenses, reversing previous non-prosecution policies, to address quality-of-life crimes. Ivan successfully advocated for legislation increasing maximum sentences for illegal handgun possession, aiming to deter gun violence.”
Criminal Justice
Withdrew motion to vacate Adnan Syed's conviction citing false statements undermining judicial integrity.
“State’s Attorney Bates has officially withdrawn the motion to vacate Adnan Syed’s conviction, citing false and misleading statements in the original filing that undermined the integrity of the judicial process.”
Public Safety
Achieved a 39.5% drop in homicides from 2022 to 2024 through crackdown on violent repeat offenders.
“From 2022 to 2024, Baltimore saw a 39.5% drop in homicides, in large part due to Ivan’s crackdown on violent repeat offenders.”
“Since taking office in 2023, Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates has implemented significant reforms to enhance public safety and uphold justice.”
Source“Ivan on the Adnan Syed Case State’s Attorney Bates has officially withdrawn the motion to vacate Adnan Syed’s conviction, citing false and misleading statements in the original filing that undermined the integrity of the judicial process.”
Source“An Army veteran with 15 years of leadership experience, Ivan is committed to fighting on the front lines for fairness and accountability in Baltimore’s justice system.”
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