Carl Stokes (Maryland politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Carl Stokes
Member of the Baltimore City Council from the 12th District
In office March 2010 – January 2016
Preceded by	Jack Young
Succeeded by	Robert Stokes
Member of the Baltimore City Council from the 2nd District
In office 1987–1995 Serving with Tony Ambridge, Jacqueline McClean
Constituency	East Baltimore
Personal details
Born	Carl Frank Stokes (1950-04-30) April 30, 1950 (age 75)
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Divorced
Children	2
Residences	Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Occupation	Education administrator

Carl Frank Stokes is an American politician. He served on the Baltimore City Council, representing the 12th district. He also used to be a member of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. In 1999, he ran for Mayor of Baltimore.

Carl Stokes: A Public Servant

Carl Stokes was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 30, 1950. He grew up in a public housing area called Latrobe. He went to private schools and graduated from Loyola Blakefield high school in 1968. Later, he attended Loyola College.

Before becoming a politician, Carl Stokes managed and then owned a clothing store. In 1987, he was elected to the Baltimore City Council. This council helps make decisions for the city. He represented the second district at that time.

Carl Stokes left the council in 1995. That same year, he was asked to join the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. This board helps guide the city's public schools. He also worked as a leader at a medical supplies company. Later, he was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for The Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy. This was a public charter middle school for boys in East Baltimore.

Running for Mayor

Carl Stokes ran for Mayor of Baltimore twice.

1999 Mayoral Race

In 1999, Carl Stokes was one of 15 people who wanted to become mayor. They were all part of the Democratic Party's primary election. A primary election is when members of a political party choose their best candidate. Since a Republican had not won the mayor's job in Baltimore for a long time, this Democratic primary was very important.

Carl Stokes was seen as one of the top three candidates. At one point, he was even slightly ahead in the polls. However, another candidate, Martin O'Malley, won the primary. Carl Stokes finished second in the election.

2016 Mayoral Race

In September 2015, Carl Stokes announced he would run for mayor again. He sought the Democratic nomination for Mayor of Baltimore City in 2016. He finished fifth in that election.

Working on the City Council

When Carl Stokes was on the Baltimore City Council, he played important roles. He was the vice chair of two committees: the Education committee and the Executive Appointments committee.

He was also a member of several other committees. These included the Taxation, Finance and Economic Development committee. He also served on the Public Safety and Health committee, and the Policy and Planning committee. These committees help the city council focus on different important topics.