Young Mum On 2020 Race, Says 'Main Goal' Is Running City

Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young is likely running for something in 2020. What isn't clear is whether he will run to keep his current post as mayor or return to his old job as City Council president.

Young became mayor in May after the resignation of Catherine Pugh and had been acting in that role for the previous month, while Pugh was on a medical leave of absence.

At the time, Young said he had every intention of running for his old job. However, in the weeks since, Young has publicly considered running for election to the mayor's office in his own right and has played coy about what his plans might be. He continued that course of action Friday, when asked directly by C4.

"My main goal is to continue to run the city of Baltimore," Young said. "I know that people are making announcements and at the [right] time I will make mine. But right now I'm focusing on reducing crime in the city and cleaning up the city and making sure that we have processes in place to help our young people."

Whichever race he chooses, he would face competition. City Council President Brandon M. Scott and former Maryland Deputy Attorney General Thiru Vignarajah have declared their candidacy. Potential challengers also include former Mayor Sheila Dixon and former Baltimore police spokesman T.J. Smith.

City Council members Leon Pinkett and Shannon Sneed have entered the race for City Council president. In heavily Democratic Baltimore, the winner of the April 28 primary election in either contest is nearly assured victory in the general election.