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Baltimore Mayoral Candidates Take The Stage For Debate

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The two top candidates for mayor faced off Thursday night for the first time since a poll puts them in a dead heat. Senator Catherine Pugh pulled slightly ahead of former Mayor Sheila Dixon for the first time---but with seven weeks to go, it's still anyone's race.

Meghan McCorkell has the latest.

As the election heads into the final weeks, candidates are doing what they can to stand out in the pack.

Going head to head, the top Democratic candidates for mayor squared off in a debate.

"This is an opportunity for us to choose leadership that has a vision who wants to take the city forward," Pugh said.

"Some people talk about going into the past. Well, I'm not even talking about going into the past. I'm talking about going to the future," Dixon said.

It's a crowded race to run the city and according to the latest Baltimore Sun/University of Maryland poll, for the first time, Senator Catherine Pugh has pulled slightly ahead of former Mayor Sheila Dixon.

Both candidates tell WJZ they are confident in their numbers.

"I have a solid group of supporters and commitment; hers is soft, the increase that she got," Dixon said.

"I know we've got a ways to go as it relates to the closure of this election so I'm running like we're 10 points behind," Pugh said.

But this race is not a done deal yet; 25% of Democratic voters say they are still undecided.

"I'm about real change, the transparency," said David Warnock. "And I deliver on my promises."

Businessman David Warnock is trying to set himself apart from the politicians.

"It's time we go after new leadership and new ideas," said Nick Mosby.

Councilman Nick Mosby sat next to Sheila Dixon and targeted failed policies of the past.

Councilman Carl Stokes focused on city schools.

"The current school board doesn't represent the children it serves," he said.

Issues they hope hit home with the voters to give them the run of City Hall.

The primary election will take place April 26.

As part of our community commitment, WJZ will broadcast a mayoral forum on Tuesday, March 22. The forum is being sponsored by WJZ, along with our partners, the Baltimore Sun, the University of Baltimore and the League of Women Voters.

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