Cambridge Mayor Steps Back Temporarily for Health Reasons, Commission President Takes Over

Cambridge, MD - Cambridge Mayor Lajan Cephas Bey has announced she is temporarily stepping back from her duties as mayor due to health reasons. The announcement is effective today, 5-8-2026, and is being handled in full accordance with the City of Cambridge Charter.

Under Section 3-21A(d) of the city charter, Mayor Cephas Bey has formally indicated a temporary inability to carry out the powers and duties of the Office of Mayor.

She has been open about the situation and wants the community to know she expects a quick return. "I expect this temporary inability to last approximately two to three weeks," Mayor Cephas Bey said.

While the mayor is away, Commission President Sputty Cephas will step in and take over all mayoral duties and responsibilities. This transition follows the guidelines laid out in the Cambridge City Charter and ensures city business continues without interruption.

Mayor Cephas Bey has also made arrangements in the event that Commission President Cephas is unable to attend a meeting during this period. In that situation, Commissioner Brian Roche has been designated to preside over any Commission of Cambridge meetings that may take place.

City officials say the process for the mayor to return to her role is straightforward. Once she has sufficiently recovered, Mayor Cephas Bey will notify City Manager Glenn Steckman. At that point, the temporary period will officially end and she will resume full control of her office.

The city has not released specific details about the nature of the mayor's health situation, and those details are considered a private matter. Cambridge residents can expect city operations to continue as normal during this time.

The structure in place is designed specifically for situations like this, and city leaders say they are fully prepared to keep things running smoothly in the mayor's absence. We want to send our well wishes to Mayor Cephas Bey and hope for a speedy recovery.