Catherine Pugh Wins Baltimore Mayoral Primary

Catherine Pugh has claimed victory in Baltimore's Democratic mayoral primary, in a narrow victory over former Mayor Sheila Dixon.

"Nobody gave this campaign a chance," Pugh told supporters. "This is one of the most expensive campaigns I've ever been involved in...but I am the Democratic nominee."

She talked about her platform and message, including programs targeting low-income households and ex-offenders and an emphasis on keeping families in Baltimore.

"This begins what I consider to be a milestone, but more importantly a direction for our city," Pugh said. "My message is about lifting the least of us while we lift all of us."

Sources tell WBAL Dixon has called Pugh, a state senator, to concede. Shortly after Pugh's victory speech, Dixon made upbeat remarks of her own.

"Now it's time to open up a new chapter in this city, and all of us need to be a part of that process," Dixon told supporters. "This has been a phenomenal opportunity to try to make a difference, but I'm not through yet."

Incumbent mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was on track to run for re-election, but the mayor's popularity took a hit with the unrest that followed the death of Freddie Gray. In September, she announced she would not run.

This is an exciting time for the Dem Party. I extend my deepest congratulations to Sen. Pugh, Rep. Van Hollen, and all of the other winners — Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) April 27, 2016

(Part 2) I look forward to a spirited summer and fall as we work toward a Democratic victory in Md. and across our nation this Nov. — Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) April 27, 2016

But even before Rawlings-Blake pulled out of the race, many other Democrats had already jumped in. Besides Dixon and Pugh, the candidates included prosecutor Elizabeth Embry, entrepreneur David Warnock, Councilman Carl Stokes and the eleventh-hour entry, activist DeRay Mckesson.

Dixon was Rawlings-Blake's predecessor. She left office in 2010 as part of a plea deal in an embezzlement conviction. She used gift cards intended for low-income people.

In the heavily Democratic city, the primary winner typically goes on to win the general election.

On the Republican side, Alan Walden holds a comfortable lead over several challengers. Walden is a former anchor for WBAL NewsRadio 1090.