Catherine Pugh will officially become the 50th mayor of Baltimore Tuesday with an inauguration ceremony in the city.
Pugh was one of 12 candidates in the Democratic primary for mayor. She and former mayor Sheila Dixon quickly emerged as the party's front runners.
The primary election wasn't without drama.
Dozens of residents arrived to work for the Pugh campaign on election day and were turned away. They planned to hand out literature at polling places, promised that they would be paid $100. Anthony McCarthy, a spokesperson for Pugh's campaign, said volunteers were supposed to fill out an application and be trained before the primary, but many just showed up Tuesday without having done that.
After spending hours in line, some expressed themselves with smashed windows and slashed tires. When Pugh was informed of the situation, she decided everyone who showed up to work would be allowed to do so and all would be paid.
In addition, several Baltimore City polling locations opened late. Attorney Billy Murphy, a Pugh supporter, requested a hearing for injunctive action to keep polls open later because of the delayed opening. The Board of Elections decided to keep four precincts open until 9 p.m., one hour later than scheduled.
Pugh declared victory over Dixon in the Democratic mayoral primary. AP projected Pugh as the winner shortly after 11 p.m. Since Maryland is a heavy blue state, the Democratic primary winner is generally assumed the mayor-elect. However, Dixon made the general election more meaningful by announcing her write-in candidacy.
Despite Dixon running in the general, Pugh was elected the next mayor of Baltimore. Inauguration begins Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. at City Hall.
Related Headlines:
- Catherine Pugh elected next mayor of Baltimore
- Catherine Pugh takes early lead over Sheila Dixon in Baltimore mayoral race
- Pugh on running for mayor: 'This is my dream job'
- Attorney Billy Murphy seeks injunction to get polls to stay open past 8 p.m.
- Campaign canvass turns violent in West Baltimore
- Dixon says she's not giving up in the race for mayor
- Baltimore mayor-elect outlines priorities
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