Dixon, Pugh Fighting To Finish Line To Be Baltimore's Next Mayor

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — It's a tight race between two women for the Democratic nomination to be Baltimore's next mayor.

A new poll by The Baltimore Sun and the University of Baltimore shows Maryland Senator Catherine Pugh and former mayor Sheila Dixon fighting for the top spot.

Political reporter Pat Warren talks to the top two candidates.

Former Mayor Sheila Dixon looks to make a comeback.

"I need your prayers, I need your votes, I need you all to tell five other people," said Dixon.

State Senator Catherine Pugh, who lost to Dixon in a race for council president, looks to even the score.

"I think that the poll shows that across the board we resonate in almost every community in this city," said Pugh.

A poll last month had Dixon and Pugh in a dead heat, with Pugh leading by two points--well within the margin of error. Since then, Pugh has gained five points to Dixon's one.

RELATED: Baltimore Mayoral Poll Shows Election Coming Down To Pugh, Dixon

"Catherine Pugh has increased her numbers in this poll, but I'm really firm and I believe that Anthony Brown was seven points up three weeks before the election," Dixon said.

Brown was of course defeated by Larry Hogan, but will that kind of lightning strike twice? Catherine Pugh is taking no chances.

"The movement is in our direction, but we can't take anything for granted. We're running like we're ten points behind," said Pugh.

And Dixon, who is behind, is running like it doesn't matter.

"You know, people want to follow the poll, but I believe that the citizens of Baltimore, over the last several years, was yelling out, 'Sheila, we want you back, we need you back,'" said Dixon. "This is an opportunity for everybody to have second chances."

And to get it right the first time.

"You know, being the mayor is a person who sets the tone and the vision for how a city will function in the future -- 10 years, 15, 20 years from now," said Pugh.

This is the first time since Martin O'Malley was elected mayor that there hasn't been an incumbent in the race.

Early voting starts next week, Thursday, April 14.