Mosby Drops Out Of Baltimore Mayoral Race, Supports Pugh

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A major shakeup in the race for mayor. One candidate drops out, and for the second day in a row, another receives growing support.

At this point, the struggle for votes seems to be between two prominent women--Senator Catherine Pugh and former mayor Sheila Dixon.

Rick Ritter has more on Wednesday's big developments.

With the primary election just days away, Pugh is now gaining support from the unexpected.

In just 48 hours, Senator Catherine Pugh picks up major steam before the mayoral primary.

"I'm giving my entire support behind Catherine Pugh," said Nick Mosby, (D) Baltimore City Council.

In a surprise move, Councilman Nick Mosby dropped out of the race and asked his supporters to vote Pugh.

"We need new leadership. The old style of leadership just hasn't worked," said Billy Murphy, attorney.

The move came just minutes after a coalition of African-American leaders backed the state senator, pointing to way she stepped up during last year's unrest.

"A year after the uprising, we want to know--will somebody rise up for us?" said Rev. Jamal Bryant, Empowerment Temple.

A similar call that's echoed by Elijah Cummings, who came out and supported Pugh on Tuesday.

Despite the endorsements, Sheila Dixon says she couldn't be more confident and is far from worried.

"I'm not going to be bullied. This is not threatening me or any of that. It's making me stronger, it's making me more committed," said Dixon.

The latest poll shows Pugh with a slight lead over Dixon. Experts call the new endorsements for Pugh "quite significant."

"It remains to be seen whether the voters are going to follow their lead," said political analyst Matthew Crenson.

A City Hall showdown that's just days away from being decided.

When WJZ spoke with Dixon on Wednesday night, she added that she's been endorsed by the community for years and that people have been asking her to come back. She said as far as endorsements go, it doesn't get any better than that.

Early voting begins in the city Thursday. The primary election is April 26.