Annapolis Alderman Not Seeking Re-Election, Names Preferred Successor: Reports

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis Alderman Ross Arnett (D-Ward 8) will not run for re-election later this year after 18 years in office, multiple reports said this week.

Capital Gazette said Arnett is in his fifth term on the City Council.

"Over the past few months, and with deliberation and some sadness, I have decided to make this year my last on the Council," Arnett wrote Monday, according to Capital Gazette.

Capital Gazette reported that Naval Academy graduates Will Cunha (Independent) and Frank Thorp (D) declared their Ward 8 candidacy. Capital Gazette said Thorp, 65, is an Annapolis native who graduated from the academy in 1981 and served 28 years in the Navy, while Cunha, 36, graduated in 2011 and now owns Oscar's Coffee in Eastport.

Arnett endorsed Thorp to succeed him, Eye On Annapolis reported.

"I do not plan to leave my beloved Annapolis. I will remain involved, especially in urging that the City puts the residents first in all matters," Arnett said in a statement to Eye On Annapolis, adding that "There is still work to complete in this coming year, including a potentially daunting FY26 Budget, major changes to the zoning code coming from the recently passed Comprehensive Plan for 2040, and issues more specific to Ward 8 regarding outdoor dining and pressures on our maritime zones."