Kamau M. Marshall abruptly departed today as chief of communications and chief strategist for Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who hired him six months ago.

Marshall confirmed to Fox45 News that he stepped down from the $185,000-a-year position he started in January, saying he is leaving City Hall “with immense respect . . [and] full confidence in the mayor’s leadership.”

It is not clear what prompted his departure given that he recently hired a team of Democratic Party operatives from Washington to boost Scott’s communications office.

The Washington-based political strategist actively promoted Scott’s image in the national press, although he was rarely seen at City Hall and even more rarely engaged with the local press or responded to media questions.

Calvin Young, the mayor’s chief of staff, issued the following statement this afternoon:

“Today Kamau Marshall is stepping down and has concluded his service leading communications and strategy for the City of Baltimore. Mayor Scott and the entire administration are deeply grateful for his outstanding leadership and strategic vision – particularly at a pivotal moment as we began the mayor’s second term.

“Kamau played a central role in the strengthening and rebuilding of the city’s communications team, shaping the narrative of Baltimore’s progress and elevating the voices of our communities. His contributions have left a lasting mark. While we wish we could keep him, we know he will continue to make a powerful impact wherever he lends his talent and expertise. We thank him for his service and wish him the very best in this next chapter.”

In his own statement, Marshall said:

“Serving the City of Baltimore has been an extraordinary honor. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Mayor Brandon M. Scott and his dedicated leadership team during such a pivotal moment in the city’s journey.

“From day one, I was proud to lay the foundation for a bold, strategic communications vision that elevated Baltimore’s voice, centered its communities, and reflected the urgency and promise of this moment. I leave with immense respect for the work ahead and full confidence in the Mayor’s leadership. I wish Mayor Scott and the entire administration continued success. There’s no doubt that great things lie ahead for this team and the city we’ve worked so hard to move forward.”

UPDATE: A person close to Marshall said that, in the short term, he planned to prioritize time with his family and especially with his father, while mulling over potential offers to work on the 2026 midterm elections, “particularly on helping Democrats regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives while advising key gubernatorial and U.S. Senate campaigns across the country.”

Marshall is not the first spokesman to leave Scott’s side abruptly. In May 2022, Cirilo Manego III was fired as the mayor’s communications director after only nine weeks on the job.

While the reason for his departure was never officially given, The Brew reported that Manego was allegedly performing work with his consulting firm during city working hours.