Mary-Ann Baldwin

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.[2]

She served on the Raleigh City Council for ten years, from 2007 through 2017 during the mayoral terms of Charles Meeker and Nancy McFarlane.[3] 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, the regional transportation firm.[2] When Meeker decided to step down prior to the 2011 election, he approached both Baldwin and McFarlane to run for mayor in his stead, Baldwin however declined the offer to run, as she was dealing with personal issues she felt would interfere with her ability to effectively campaign and serve in the role as mayor.[4]

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.[5] Baldwin came in first place, winning 38% of the vote.[6] A runoff was not requested by the runner-up and Baldwin became mayor-elect of Raleigh.[7] She assumed office December 2, 2019. Baldwin has battled the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 17, she made a proclomation that mandated masks.[8][9] She also was mayor during the George Floyd protests in Raleigh. While she was supportive of the peaceful protests, several riots had broke out and in response she issued a citywide curfew from 10 pm to 5 am.[10][11]