Omaha Elects Likely First Black Mayor as Incumbent Concedes Race

Omaha voters made history Tuesday night as incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert conceded the mayoral race to challenger John Ewing, who is now poised to become the city’s first Black mayor, as per The AP.

Stothert, who was seeking a rare fourth term, trailed Ewing by nearly 5,000 votes in early returns. The race, which began with a focus on local issues such as infrastructure and public services, shifted in tone in the final days to touch on national debates including President Donald Trump’s policies and transgender rights.

“I called John Ewing and I congratulated him,” Stothert said at her election night event, according to KETV. “John Ewing is inheriting tonight a great city, and we leave a strong foundation for the city that we love. We are grateful and we are hopeful.”

Ewing’s victory marks a significant milestone for Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city and home to nearly a quarter of the state’s population. He will be the first Black mayor in the city’s history if the results hold.

Stothert, Omaha’s first female mayor, touted her administration’s achievements during her campaign, pointing to a revitalized riverfront, progress on a proposed streetcar line, and continued improvements to the city’s streets. She framed the city as being in the midst of a renaissance, urging voters to continue that momentum.

Despite her record and name recognition, voters opted for change.

Ewing, a longtime public servant and former Douglas County Treasurer, focused his campaign on improving city services, boosting economic equity, and fostering inclusive leadership.