BALTIMORE (WJZ/AP) — Catherine E. Pugh has claimed victory in the race to become the Democratic nominee for Baltimore mayor, and the Associated Press has declared her the winner of the race, as well.

Pugh led Sheila Dixon by three percent, claiming 37 percent of votes to Dixon’s 34 percent with 97 percent of precincts reporting.

Pugh is currently serving in her third term in the Maryland State Senate and is the Majority Leader, representing Maryland’s District 40 in Baltimore City.

She says her victory “begins what I consider a milestone, but more importantly, a direction for our city.” She is widely expected to win the general election in the Democratic stronghold.

Dixon, who was running for the office again after serving as the 48th mayor of Baltimore, conceded the race shortly after AP declared Pugh the winner.

Dixon came in second among 11 candidates in Tuesday’s primary.

Dixon announced her bid for mayor in July, shortly after the death of Freddie Gray inspired protests and rioting in the streets of Baltimore. She was elected mayor in 2007 but resigned in 2010 after she was convicted of embezzlement stemming from her use of gift cards meant for underprivileged children.

In her speech, Dixon told supporters that “it’s time for us to open up a new chapter in this city.” She also stressed the need to “continue to build on what this campaign stood for: love of the people of this city.”

Pugh will go on to face the Republican nominee in November’s general election. The Associated Press has called that race for Alan Walden.

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