Frank Thorp, a former midshipman in the Navy, has officially begun his campaign to become the next alderman for Ward 8.
A Democrat, Thorp is the second candidate to challenge the current five-term Democratic incumbent, Ross Arnett. Will Cunha, an independent and fellow Naval Academy alumnus, kicked off his campaign in November.
At 65 years old, Thorp is entering the race after dedicating 28 years to the Navy, where he retired as a rear admiral. A native of Annapolis, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981 and initially served as a surface warfare officer for five years before shifting to public affairs. His career includes leadership positions such as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Strategic Communications and president and CEO of the U.S. Navy Memorial. He also serves as a board member for the Annapolis Maritime Museum.
“I’m not retiring; I am rewiring,” Thorp commented on his choice to leave the military and transition into politics.
Among Thorp’s key issues are preserving Eastport’s maritime culture, including access to boating facilities and waterways. Regarding houseboats, he expressed concern over their use as short-term rentals but commended Arnett’s initiative to form a task force to examine the matter.
“We have to prioritize the unique aspects of Eastport, especially regarding maritime sustainability and culture,” he remarked.
Thorp advocates for the development of bike lanes and racks to encourage short-distance travel. He also believes it’s essential for the police department to recruit more officers to combat what he describes as “unacceptable crime levels.”
“Ultimately, we must remember that Eastport is a peninsula. … Parking is a significant challenge we face, so every decision made about Annapolis’s future must consider parking, traffic, and public services,” Thorp stated.
He submitted his candidacy paperwork to the city last week.
When the Capital inquired whether Arnett plans to seek reelection in November, he affirmed, “It’s always been my intention to run for a sixth term.” He was unavailable for further comments regarding the status of his paperwork.
Candidates for Ward 1, Ward 2, and Ward 7 have either declared their intention to run or have been confirmed through the city’s Board of Supervisors of Elections. Official candidates include Ward 1 Democrats Harry Huntley and Ron Gunzburger, along with Ward 2 Alderwoman Karma O’Neill, also a Democrat.
As of October, Tom Sells, a Democrat running in Ward 1, and Ward 7 Alderman Rob Savidge, another Democrat, have indicated their intent to run. No new candidates have been verified as of January 3, according to Eileen Leahy, chair of the Board of Supervisors of Elections.
In the mayoral race, verified candidates at this time are Democrats Jared Littmann and Rhonda Pindell Charles.
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