The Vibrant Legacy of the Baltimore Republican Party: A History of Resilience and Reform

The Baltimore Republican Party has a storied past, marked by bold visionaries, tireless advocacy, and a commitment to challenging the status quo. From its roots in the mid-19th century to its modern-day efforts, the party has been a beacon of hope and progress in a city often dominated by one-party rule. With a legacy that includes trailblazers like Harry S. Cummings, the first African American elected to the Baltimore City Council, the Baltimore GOP has consistently punched above its weight, offering an alternative vision for a city brimming with potential. Let’s dive into this upbeat tale of grit, determination, and a refusal to back down!

A Spirited Beginning

The Republican Party in Maryland, including Baltimore, sprang to life in 1854 as part of the national movement against slavery and for economic opportunity. In a city with a rich industrial heritage—think steel mills, shipyards, and bustling ports—Republicans found fertile ground among those who valued free enterprise and individual liberty. Baltimore, a hub of commerce and culture, saw the party gain traction in its early years, especially among African Americans after the Civil War, who saw the GOP as the party of emancipation and progress.

Though the city has leaned heavily Democratic since the mid-20th century, Republicans have left an indelible mark. From Theodore McKeldin, the last Republican mayor (serving until 1967), to the election of moderate governors like Larry Hogan in 2014 and 2018, the party has shown it can thrive even in a deep-blue state. In Baltimore, the GOP has often been the underdog, but that’s never dimmed its spirit or its mission to shake things up.

Harry S. Cummings: A Trailblazer’s Triumph

No story of the Baltimore Republican Party shines brighter than that of Harry Sythe Cummings. Born in 1866 to formerly enslaved parents, Cummings was a force of nature—smart, determined, and unapologetically ambitious. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University and graduating as one of the first African Americans from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1889, he set his sights on breaking barriers in Baltimore.

In 1890, at just 24 years old, Cummings made history by winning a seat on the Baltimore City Council, becoming the first Black person to do so. Representing the 11th Ward, he didn’t just sit quietly—he fought for his community. Cummings championed education, founding the 1st Manual Training School for Colored Youth (later the Colored Polytechnic Institute), and worked tirelessly to combat racial segregation laws. His reelections in 1891, 1897, and from 1907 to 1917 proved his staying power and popularity.

Cummings wasn’t just a local hero; he took the national stage too. In 1904, he delivered a rousing speech at the Republican National Convention, seconding the nomination of President Theodore Roosevelt. His eloquence and passion electrified the crowd, cementing his status as a Republican heavyweight. Until his death in 1917, Cummings remained a towering figure, inspiring generations to see politics as a tool for upliftment and change. His legacy? A reminder that one person, armed with courage and conviction, can rewrite the rules.

The Democrat Dilemma: A Half-Century of Stumbles

While the Baltimore Republican Party has had its share of victories, the city’s Democratic dominance—unbroken since McKeldin’s exit in 1967—hasn’t always delivered the goods. For over 50 years, Democrats have held the mayor’s office, the City Council (no Republican has won a seat since 1939!), and a supermajority in the state legislature. Yet, despite this iron grip, Baltimore has faced persistent challenges that critics argue stem from mismanagement and a lack of fresh ideas.

Take the economy: once a titan of industry, Baltimore has lost much of its manufacturing muscle. Unemployment, especially among young Black men, hovers near 40% in some areas, while thousands of homes sit vacant. Democratic policies—high taxes, heavy regulation, and bloated government programs—have been blamed for driving businesses away and stifling job growth. Property taxes soared 21 times between 1950 and 1985, pushing out homeowners and entrepreneurs, many of whom were Republicans, and leaving the city in a fiscal bind.

Education’s another sore spot. Despite spending over $15,000 per student, Baltimore's public schools struggle—84% of eighth graders read below grade level, and 87% lag in math. Critics point to union-backed resistance to school choice and charter schools as a failure to prioritize kids over politics. Meanwhile, crime has spiked under Democratic watch. In 2017 alone, over 200 murders rocked the city, and life expectancy in parts of West Baltimore rivals North Korea’s. The 2015 riots after Freddie Gray’s death exposed a city on edge, with some arguing that decades of Democratic leadership failed to address root causes like poverty and police-community tensions.

The Republican Rebound: A Bright Future Beckons

But here’s the good news: the Baltimore Republican Party isn’t down for the count. Inspired by figures like Cummings, today’s GOP members are stepping up, offering bold solutions: lower taxes, school choice, and a focus on public safety—to turn the tide. Candidates like Jovanni Patterson and Shannon Wright in 2020 showed the party’s still got fight, running on platforms to boost jobs and rebuild trust. With Democrats outnumbering Republicans 10-to-1, the odds are steep, but history proves the GOP thrives as the scrappy challenger.

The Baltimore Republican Party’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering belief in what the city could be. From Cummings’ groundbreaking wins to the promise of a new generation, it’s a tale that reminds us: change doesn’t come from complacency, it comes from those willing to stand up, speak out, and dare to dream big. Here’s to the GOP’s next chapter in Charm City—may it be as vibrant and victorious as its past!

The Baltimore City Republican Central Committee is the governing body of the Republican Party in Baltimore City.

Central Committee Members are elected to four-year terms in gubernatorial election years. These are strictly non-paid volunteer positions.

If you are interested in getting more involved in your city, we encourage you to volunteer for one of the many opportunities available.

Contact us:

Email:  [email protected]

410-467-2722

P.O. Box 11603

Baltimore, MD 21229

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreGOP/

X: @BaltimoreGOP

Chairman - Tom Kennedy

Vice Chairman - Dennis Betzel

Treasurer - Sheikh Selim

Secretary - Blaire Freed