Sen. Catherine Pugh declared victory over former Baltimore mayor Sheila Dixon Tuesday night in the Democratic mayoral primary.
"I am the Democratic nominee," Pugh said to a gathering of supporters.
AP projected Pugh as the winner of the race shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday.
In a concession speech shortly afterwards, Dixon seemed upbeat, saying a victory wasn't meant to be.
"I'm not through yet ... I'm going to be part of this city," Dixon said.
Pugh, 65 is expected to win the general election in Baltimore, a Democratic stronghold.
Pugh emerged as an early leader in the race as early voting returns trickled in, though her lead began to shrink as the night went on.
But as of 11 p.m., Pugh was leading Dixon by about 3,400 votes, with 265 out of 292 precincts reporting.
265 of 292 precincts reporting in Baltimore City.. @PughForMayor maintains a lead over @SheilaforMayor of about 3400 votes #marylandprimary
— Christian Schaffer (@chrisfromabc2) April 27, 2016
RELATED: Dixon, Pugh optimistic on election day
Pugh and Dixon emerged as front runners in recent months in a crowded field of Democratic candidates.
Pugh leads Dixon in early voting- 13,047 to 9,445. Embry, Warnick, Stokes way behind #marylandprimary pic.twitter.com/xW9q00kbNq
— Christian Schaffer (@chrisfromabc2) April 27, 2016
Elizabeth Embry came in a distant third in the race.
On the Republican side, Alan Walden was declared the winner of the GOP primary.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
