Omaha Elects First Democratic Mayor Since 2013, Ousting Longtime Republican Jean Stothert
Omaha, Nebraska, May 14, 2025 – In a historic upset, John Ewing Jr., a Democrat and Douglas County Treasurer, defeated three-term Republican incumbent Jean Stothert in the Omaha mayoral election on May 13, 2025, becoming the city’s first Black mayor and its first Democratic mayor since 2013. The victory, reported by The New York Times and The Washington Post, marks a significant shift in Nebraska’s largest city, ending 12 years of Republican leadership and reflecting a surge of Democratic energy in a politically competitive “blue dot” within a conservative state.
Election Results and Context
Unofficial results from the Douglas County Election Commission showed Ewing leading Stothert by approximately 10,900 votes (54% to 46%) with 87,000 ballots tabulated, as reported by The New York Times. Around 7,000 early ballots and a few hundred provisional ballots remained to be counted, but Stothert conceded on election night, acknowledging Ewing’s victory in a speech at a west Omaha gathering around 9:30 PM. She said, “We leave a strong foundation for the city that we all love,” reflecting on her tenure.
The nonpartisan race, while officially free of party labels, was heavily influenced by partisan dynamics. Omaha, with a population of 486,051, has a Democratic voter edge (39% to 33% Republican), and Ewing capitalized on this, as well as discontent with Stothert’s alignment with President Donald Trump. Ewing’s campaign ads criticized Stothert’s 2024 Trump endorsement, while Stothert’s team countered with ads claiming Ewing supported “radicals” on transgender issues, prompting Ewing to demand a retraction.
Candidates and Campaign Dynamics
- John Ewing Jr. (Democrat): A former Omaha deputy police chief and Douglas County Treasurer since 2007, Ewing campaigned on his 42 years of public service and a message of change. His platform, per his website, focused on economic growth, attracting businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, and investing in infrastructure. Ewing highlighted voter dissatisfaction, noting that primary results showed “65% of voters wanted a new mayor.” His historic win as Omaha’s first elected Black mayor was celebrated by Democrats nationally, with DNC Chair Ken Martin calling it a sign of GOP vulnerability ahead of 2026 midterms.
- Jean Stothert (Republican): Elected in 2013 as Omaha’s first female mayor, Stothert sought a record fourth term, campaigning on her record of public safety, economic development, and projects like a revitalized riverfront and a controversial streetcar set for 2028. Her website emphasized, “Public safety is my top priority,” pledging innovative policing. Despite overseeing significant city growth, Stothert faced criticism over the streetcar project and national GOP ties, particularly her Trump endorsement, which Ewing’s campaign leveraged.
The April 1 primary saw Ewing (31.9%) and Stothert (37%) advance, eliminating candidates like Mike McDonnell, a former Democrat-turned-Republican state senator. Key issues included crime, infrastructure, affordable housing, and the streetcar, with Ewing and others criticizing Stothert’s use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
Political Significance
Omaha’s mayoral race, held every four years post-presidential election, draws national attention as a gauge of voter sentiment in a swing district. The city, part of Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, has voted Democratic in recent presidential elections (Biden in 2020, Harris in 2024), yet consistently elected Republican Rep. Don Bacon and Stothert, highlighting ticket-splitting tendencies. Ewing’s win, described by The Washington Post as “overshadowed by Trump’s agenda,” suggests a backlash against GOP policies, with posts on X like @mattmfm noting Stothert’s late-campaign focus on anti-transgender rhetoric may have alienated voters.
Consultant Ryan Horn told the Omaha World-Herald that Democratic overperformance in the primary and high general election turnout signaled a winnable race for Ewing, who captured “blue dot” momentum. The victory flips Omaha to Democratic control for the first time since Jim Suttle’s 2009–2013 tenure, with Northwest Progressive calling it a “decisive” rejection of Stothert’s MAGA-aligned image.
Challenges and What’s Next
Ewing inherits a city with ongoing debates over the $400 million streetcar project, rising housing costs, and public safety needs. His pledge to focus on potholes, police hiring, and affordable housing aims to address voter frustrations. Meanwhile, Stothert’s defeat, despite her development achievements, underscores the risks of national GOP affiliation in a left-leaning urban center. Democrats, including ASDC Chair Jane Kleeb, see Ewing’s win as a blueprint for 2026, particularly in challenging Bacon’s House seat.
Conclusion
John Ewing Jr.’s election as Omaha’s first Black mayor and first Democratic mayor since 2013 marks a turning point for the city of 486,051. By defeating Jean Stothert, who led for 12 years, Ewing tapped into voter desire for change and capitalized on anti-Trump sentiment. As he prepares to take office, his leadership will be closely watched in this political battleground. For updates, check Omaha World-Herald (www.omaha.com) or Ballotpedia (www.ballotpedia.org).
Note: Information is based on sources as of May 14, 2025. Verify with official/or Douglas County Election Commission (www.douglascountyne.gov) for final results.