Mayor Brandon Scott's Response To Harris' Election Loss: 'This Country Doesn’t Deserve Black Women'

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott won his reelection bid Tuesday night with 80% of the vote, securing a second term in office.

While celebrating his own victory, Scott also released a powerful Instagram video addressing what he called a painful national reality: America’s longstanding disregard for Black women.

The video, recorded just hours after Vice President Kamala Harris lost her bid for the presidency, expressed Scott’s disappointment in the election outcome and frustration at what he sees as deep-rooted racism and sexism in the country.

"I am obviously extremely disappointed in the results," Scott said. "But it is clear that there will be a second Trump presidency. It is really on my heart this morning to say that as a man, but more importantly as a Black man, that this country does not deserve Black women or Black people, but specifically Black women."

Scott’s comments came after Maryland supported Harris, who carried over 60% of the state’s vote and a sweeping 84% in Baltimore. Despite these local wins, Harris’ national loss struck a nerve for Scott, who expressed empathy for the Black women who have consistently shown up for the nation, especially at the polls.

Referencing his own family, Scott spoke emotionally about the world his unborn daughter would inherit, saying, "I woke up and just gave my wife a hug because I know how heavy this is weighing on Black women. They have carried this country and saved this country too many times and continue to be the most disrespected human beings on the planet. And quite frankly, it disgusts me."

As one of the most influential Black leaders in Baltimore, Scott has long been an advocate for marginalized communities. In his speech, Scott acknowledged that the weight Black women have carried for generations cannot rest solely on their shoulders. "We as a country really have a lot of soul-searching to do," he continued. "Black women alone can’t be the soul of this democracy."

Scott’s message also emphasized his pride in Vice President Harris, despite the election results. "I am personally proud of her, and I know that so many others are the same. We appreciate her tenacity, her focus, her decency." Scott passionately rejected any narratives suggesting that Harris' campaign strategy could have been different, reiterating that she did everything right in her campaign.

Looking toward his next term, Scott expressed uncertainty about the implications of another Trump presidency but assured Baltimoreans of his steadfast commitment to defending their rights. "If [Trump] follows through on some of his dark, violent promises, we know that we’re looking at challenges in the years ahead. But I want Baltimoreans to hear me clearly: We have a lot to be proud of in our leadership in the state and in the city."