Baltimore County State’s Attorney Debate

Join The Baltimore Banner and WJZ for a live debate featuring candidates in the Baltimore County state’s attorney race.

This event will give attendees the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their experience, priorities and visions for the office — and how they differ from one another on key issues affecting Baltimore County residents.

Confirmed participants include:

• Sarah David

• Lauren Lipscomb

• Scott Shellenberger (incumbent)

The debate, moderated by Banner journalists, will focus on issues including public safety, prosecutorial discretion, victims’ rights, wrongful convictions and the future direction of the office.

Space is limited. While attendance is free, advance registration is required.

• Seating will be first-come, first-served among registered attendees

• A primary room and overflow rooms will be available

• Doors will open at 11:30 a.m.

Paid street parking is available outside the building. Paid parking is also available at the Washington Avenue Garage and the Baltimore Avenue Garage, both a short walk from the venue.

The Baltimore Banner is committed to providing a fair, nonpartisan forum that informs voters without endorsing any candidate.

Special thanks to Towson University's StarTUp at the Armory for sharing their space and allowing us to use it for the debate.

The state’s attorney’s role has long been a powerful and stable position in Baltimore County, with only two people elected to the office since 1975. This year’s race presents voters with a rare opportunity to evaluate different approaches to prosecution, public safety and accountability.

Candidates bring distinct backgrounds to the race. Shellenberger, who has served since 2007, is seeking reelection after a close contest in the last election cycle. His tenure has drawn both support and criticism, including from victims’ rights advocates. Challengers Sarah David, a deputy Maryland state prosecutor focused on public corruption, and Lauren Lipscomb, who leads Baltimore’s conviction integrity unit, are campaigning on reform, modernization and transparency within the office.