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Corey O'Connor wins Pittsburgh's Democratic mayoral primary, unseating incumbent Ed Gainey
It marks the second straight primary in which city voters went against the incumbent, after Gainey defeated Bill Peduto in 2021
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette link: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2025/05/20/pittsburgh-mayor-democrats-result/stories/202505200107
Archived (no paywall) link: https://archive.ph/OTm36
Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor pulled off a rare political feat Tuesday night, unseating incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey in an intense, competitive primary that at times appeared to be a proxy for the national battles between the progressive and moderate wings of the weakened Democratic party.
Mr. O’Connor received nearly 53% of the votes, while Mr. Gainey tallied about 47% with all but two precincts in the city reporting as of early Wednesday morning. Although rare for a challenger to unseat an incumbent, particularly in a dark blue area like Pittsburgh, this marks the second time in a row that voters have decided to make a change in city hall.
“We’ve only started this journey,” Mr. O’Connor said, taking the stage around 10:30 p.m. “I entered this race with the simple message that Pittsburgh deserves better. I looked around the city as a father of two young kids, and I was concerned, concerned about the rising crime, concerned about the lack of growth and opportunity, concerned about the looming financial crisis. I want my kids to raise their families here, like my wife, Katie, and I are doing. I want you to raise your kids and your grandkids here, because our message has always been that Pittsburgh should be every family’s first choice.”
With the loss, Mr. Gainey has become the first Pittsburgh mayor in modern history to run for re-election and only serve one term. His win in 2021 made him the first Black mayor of Pittsburgh, elected amid a series of social justice protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd.
... snip ...
For months, Mr. O’Connor — the son of a beloved mayor who died after eight months in office — had a significant momentum advantage. He outraised the incumbent in fundraising; aired commercials earlier; and earned the support of the majority of City Council members.
- more at link -
Mr. O’Connor received nearly 53% of the votes, while Mr. Gainey tallied about 47% with all but two precincts in the city reporting as of early Wednesday morning. Although rare for a challenger to unseat an incumbent, particularly in a dark blue area like Pittsburgh, this marks the second time in a row that voters have decided to make a change in city hall.
“We’ve only started this journey,” Mr. O’Connor said, taking the stage around 10:30 p.m. “I entered this race with the simple message that Pittsburgh deserves better. I looked around the city as a father of two young kids, and I was concerned, concerned about the rising crime, concerned about the lack of growth and opportunity, concerned about the looming financial crisis. I want my kids to raise their families here, like my wife, Katie, and I are doing. I want you to raise your kids and your grandkids here, because our message has always been that Pittsburgh should be every family’s first choice.”
With the loss, Mr. Gainey has become the first Pittsburgh mayor in modern history to run for re-election and only serve one term. His win in 2021 made him the first Black mayor of Pittsburgh, elected amid a series of social justice protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd.
... snip ...
For months, Mr. O’Connor — the son of a beloved mayor who died after eight months in office — had a significant momentum advantage. He outraised the incumbent in fundraising; aired commercials earlier; and earned the support of the majority of City Council members.
This is my take: I don't like the fact that the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is framing this mayoral race as a loss for progressive Democrats. Pittsburgh is facing a serious financial challenge right now and for the next few years. If the issues aren't addressed head-on immediately, Pittsburgh will be forced to declare bankruptcy. We can be progressive, but we need to make sure the bills are paid first.
Best of luck to Corey O'Connor, who in all likelihood will be the next mayor of Pittsburgh!
