Photo: John Ewing For Omaha
Democrat John Ewing. Jr. pulled off a historic upset in the race for mayor of Omaha, Nebraska.
On Tuesday (May 13), Ewing, the Douglass County Treasurer, defeated Republican incumbent Jean Stothert, who was campaigning for her fourth term as mayor, per Newsweek.
Ewing has now made history as Omaha's first Black mayor.
"Tonight, we embark on a new chapter," Ewing told supporters. "Together we will build an Omaha that offers opportunity for the 'good life' — to everyone."
During her concession speech, Stothert acknowledged the 12 years she's served as Omaha's mayor.
"Tonight, I'm very proud, grateful and hopeful. Proud of 12 years of success. I'm grateful for your support, your friendship and your trust. And I'm hopeful that the momentum we have created will continue," she said.
Ewing's victory could be a positive sign for Democrats ahead of the November 2026 midterms. Nebraska typically leans Republican, but Omaha tends to be more mixed and considered a "blue dot." The city hasn't elected a Democratic mayor since 2013.
In a statement, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin congratulated Ewing on his upset victory.
"From coast to coast, from blue to purple to even red states, Democrats are overwhelmingly outperforming Republicans in nearly every election held this year — as voters condemn Republicans' plot to attack Social Security and health care while hiking prices on working families every chance they get."
Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said Ewing's win represented "historic progress."
"As a public servant for 43 years, Mayor-elect Ewing's commitment to the people of the great state of Nebraska speaks for itself, and I have no doubt that Omaha's future is bright under his leadership," she said. "My fellow Nebraskans: We made historic progress tonight, and tomorrow, the hard work continues on as we look to 2026. Democrats are here to do the work for the people."
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