DeRay Mckesson’s bid to become next mayor of Baltimore ends

U.S. civil rights activist DeRay McKesson, who was instrumental in the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement against police violence, lost his bid Tuesday night for the Democratic nomination for mayor of Baltimore. Mckesson garnered approximately 2.5 percent of the vote. He outperformed earlier polling that showed him at less than 1 percent.

He was among 12 contenders in the race for the nomination.

In an email to supporters, Mckesson said he was proud of his campaign, which he said “challenged the status quo of Baltimore’s politics.”

“While we did not win tonight, what we did was very important, and I want you to be as proud of our work together as I am,” Mckesson said. “We did something very special, and it sets the table for what else is possible.”

Mckesson, has a large online following on Twitter and has won praise from high-ranking officials such as U.S. President Barack Obama.

Maryland state Senator Catherine E. Pugh, who finished with 37 percent of the vote won the nomination.