ATLANTIC CITY MAYOR MARTY SMALL SEEKS RE-ELECTION AMID EXPLOSIVE CHILD ABUSE ALLEGATIONS

Facing child abuse and witness tampering charges, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small is pressing forward with his re-election campaign, doubling down on his reputation and dismissing the allegations as distractions.

On Tuesday night, Small formally launched his campaign at a packed church near City Hall, flanked by family and supporters. Notably absent was his daughter—the alleged victim of physical and emotional abuse by Small and his wife, La’Quetta Small, Atlantic City Schools superintendent. Prosecutors also accuse Small of pressuring his daughter to lie about the allegations.

When questioned about his daughter’s absence, Small defended the decision, stating, "Our family has been through so much. When my daughter sees cameras, she freaks out. It’s our job to protect her." Critics, however, see this as a deliberate attempt to control the narrative.

Despite the legal firestorm, Small was defiant. "A lot of people said they didn’t think I was gonna run for re-election. You must not know about me," he said to the crowd of over 500 attendees.

In response to questions about how he plans to overcome the mounting public scrutiny, Small reminded voters of his unbroken 22-year run in Atlantic City politics. "I’m of the community. I haven’t forgotten where I come from. The people of Atlantic City know me and have stood by me before—through two previous indictments."

Critics, however, argue that this history of legal troubles raises questions about his ability to lead a city grappling with crime, corruption, and economic struggles.

The Atlantic City mayoral primary is set for June 10, where voters will decide if Small’s entrenched local ties outweigh the severity of the allegations against him. With serious charges hanging over his head, Marty Small is betting that loyalty and name recognition will outshine scandal—but will Atlantic City voters take the gamble?