Mary-Ann Baldwin

Mary-Ann Baldwin is an American marketing executive and politician from the state of North Carolina. A member of the Democratic Party, she was the mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina, serving from 2019 to 2024, and previously served on the Raleigh City Council from 2007 to 2017.

Early life and education Baldwin grew up in Rhode Island and graduated from the University of Rhode Island. She is married to Jim Baldwin, her fifth husband, and she has two children, a daughter and son-in-law. She also has two step-children.

Career Baldwin communications Prior to political service, she worked in the marketing field, including working as marketing director for several firms and managing her own consulting firm, Baldwin Communications. While on the city council, she served as chair of the Law & Public Safety Committee and the Transportation Committee, and served on several other committees, as well as acting as the city's representative to GoTriangle, a regional transportation authority.

Mayoral tenure On March 27, 2019, Baldwin announced that she would be running for mayor of Raleigh in the 2019 election to succeed McFarlane, who was stepping down as mayor in the midst of health troubles. Baldwin came in first place, winning 38% of the vote. A runoff was not requested by Charles Francis, the runner-up, and so Baldwin became mayor of Raleigh. She assumed office December 2, 2019. Baldwin ran for reelection in 2022, defeating DaQuanta Copeland and Terrance Ruth. On April 16, 2024, Baldwin announced that she would not seek reelection.

In May 2022, Baldwin faced criticism following a reported confrontation with a young fan at a Carolina Hurricanes playoff game in Raleigh. Witnesses told WRAL that Baldwin confronted the child and made her cry, prompting security to intervene. The incident was also discussed in local commentary.

Response to COVID-19 Baldwin was mayor while the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Raleigh. On June 17, 2020, she made a proclamation that mandated masks. Baldwin made a second mask mandate on August 13, 2021, due to the rise in the Delta variant that she later terminated on February 18, 2022. Mayor Baldwin tested positive for COVID-19 on April 18, 2022.

Response to George Floyd Protests Baldwin was mayor during the George Floyd protests in Raleigh. In the midst of rioting she declared a citywide curfew. Her response was criticized in the following weeks.

Tax Increment Grant (TIG) and Property Tax Increase On May 4, 2021, Raleigh City Council approved a tax increment grant (TIG) policy which Mayor Baldwin voted in favor of. Mayor Baldwin received campaign contributions from developer John Kane, who may benefit from the TIG. The TIG policy allows the city of Raleigh to provide up to $5 million per year (2% of the annual budget) in tax rebates to private developers, effectively shielding them from increases in property taxes due to rising property values. A month later on June 1, 2021, Raleigh City Council passed an annual budget that included an increase in property taxes generating an increased $7 million per year which was supported by Mayor Baldwin.

Gun violence Baldwin responded after the 2022 Raleigh shootings killed five people, including a law enforcement employee.