Omaha Makes History with Groundbreaking Mayoral Election Victory

People voting in booths with American flag background

John Ewing Jr. defeats three-term Republican incumbent Jean Stothert to become Omaha’s first Black mayor in a historic political upset that signals shifting dynamics in a key Midwestern battleground.

Quick Takes

John Ewing Jr. made history as Omaha’s first Black mayor, defeating three-term Republican incumbent Jean Stothert despite being outfunded.
Ewing’s campaign successfully focused on practical local issues like infrastructure repair, contrasting with Stothert’s controversial messaging.
The election results reveal potential political realignment in Nebraska’s competitive 2nd congressional district.
Stothert conceded gracefully, noting she was leaving “a strong foundation for the city that we all love.”
The victory came alongside other Democratic wins, including LaVonya Goodwin’s City Council District 2 race.

Historic Victory Changes Omaha’s Political Landscape

In a significant political shift for Nebraska’s largest city, John Ewing Jr. has been elected as Omaha’s first Black mayor, unseating three-term Republican incumbent Jean Stothert. The victory marks a historic moment for the city and signals changing political dynamics in what has traditionally been considered a Republican stronghold. Ewing, who ran a campaign focused on practical local governance issues, managed to overcome being outfunded in a race that, while technically nonpartisan, took on notable partisan dimensions as it progressed. The election results have drawn attention both locally and nationally as an indicator of potential shifts in Midwestern political alignments.

Stothert, who had served as mayor since 2013, conceded the race with grace, acknowledging the historic nature of the election. Republicans maintained control of three City Council seats, preserving some conservative influence in local governance. Additionally, voters approved a city charter amendment requiring that City Council vacancies be filled by special election if they occur within the first two years of a term, rather than by appointment. This change reflects voters’ desire for greater democratic input in their local representation.

🚨MAJOR BREAKING NEWS: In a defeat that has left MAGA STUNNED, Democrat John Ewing Jr. has just won the mayoral race in deep red Omaha, Nebraska, defeating twelve-year GOP incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert.

This makes him the first Black mayor in the history of the city.

More:… pic.twitter.com/T2S0keUX0Y

— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) May 14, 2025

Campaign Strategies and Local Priorities

Ewing’s campaign strategically focused on practical issues that matter to Omaha residents, including infrastructure repair, job creation, affordable housing, and urban core expansion. This approach resonated with voters who had grown tired of national political controversies overshadowing local governance needs. While the race was officially nonpartisan, the influence of national politics became increasingly evident as the campaign progressed, with Ewing’s team working to connect Stothert to controversial policies from the previous Republican administration.

Stothert’s campaign encountered challenges when it shifted focus toward controversial social issues, including the distribution of mailers targeting transgender policies. This move was perceived by many voters as a distraction from pressing local concerns. In contrast, Ewing emphasized his desire to be a role model for young people and focused his messaging on practical governance improvements. The stark difference in campaign approaches ultimately worked to Ewing’s advantage, as voters expressed preference for his solutions-oriented platform.

Implications for Nebraska’s Political Future

The mayoral election results are being viewed as potentially significant for Nebraska’s 2nd congressional district, which includes Omaha and has been one of the nation’s few truly competitive districts. Political analysts note that Ewing’s victory could signal increased Democratic competitiveness in future races, including the congressional seat currently held by Republican Representative Don Bacon. The district’s willingness to elect a Democratic mayor suggests a potential opening for more competitive contests in what has historically been a Republican-leaning region.

Beyond the mayoral race, Democrats secured other victories in local contests, including LaVonya Goodwin’s win in the District 2 City Council race. Goodwin, who defeated Ben Gray, acknowledged the hard work that went into the campaign. The combined results paint a picture of a city in political transition, with voters seemingly more open to Democratic candidates than in previous cycles. For conservatives in the region, these shifts represent a challenge to reconnect with voters on local issues while maintaining their core principles in an increasingly competitive political environment.