John Ewing Elected Omaha’s First Black Mayor \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ John Ewing Jr. has made history as the first Black mayor of Omaha, defeating incumbent Jean Stothert in a landmark general election. Stothert conceded graciously, ending a 12-year tenure. Ewing, a former police officer and county treasurer, promises more accessible, efficient city services.
Quick Looks
- John Ewing Jr. defeats Jean Stothert in general election.
- Becomes Omaha’s first Black mayor in city history.
- Stothert concedes, citing city’s strong foundation.
- Ewing served nearly 25 years in police, 17 as treasurer.
- Democrats hail a “new era” for Omaha leadership.
- Don Bacon praises both Stothert’s legacy and Ewing’s win.
- Ewing pledges accessible, efficient city government.
- Stothert ends historic 12-year run as first female mayor.
Deep Look
In a momentous and closely watched election, John Ewing Jr. has been elected as Omaha’s new mayor, unseating the city’s long-serving leader, Jean Stothert, and becoming the first Black mayor in the city’s 170-year history. Ewing’s victory not only signals a major political shift but also reflects Omaha’s evolving identity in both demographic makeup and civic priorities.
The win marks the culmination of a campaign focused on pragmatic governance, public accountability, and the promise of a more inclusive city hall. With nearly two decades as Douglas County Treasurer and 25 years of service in the Omaha Police Department, Ewing brought a powerful mix of fiscal management and public safety experience to the race—credentials that resonated with voters seeking change without upheaval.
“Omaha is ready to move forward—together,” Ewing said on election night. “We’re going to build a city that listens, that works, and that includes every voice.”
A Historic Outcome and a Symbolic Breakthrough
Ewing’s election is historically significant in a city where African Americans have long played a central role in community life, but where political leadership has rarely reflected that diversity at the highest level. His victory represents a watershed moment for Omaha—one that many hope will expand representation, equity, and economic opportunity for historically underserved neighborhoods.
Jean Stothert, who made history herself as Omaha’s first female mayor in 2013, served three full terms and was reelected with overwhelming support in 2021. Her 12-year tenure transformed Omaha with revitalized infrastructure, downtown redevelopment, and a growing tech and health economy. She also presided over the city during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing public health mandates and guiding federal recovery funds into local services.
But for many voters this year, change—not continuity—was the priority.
“John Ewing’s win rings in a new era for Omaha,” said Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb, who called the result a mandate for “accountable, community-centered leadership.”
Shifting Voter Priorities: From Vision to Execution
Ewing’s platform emphasized improving the delivery of basic services, including:
- Pothole repair and road maintenance
- Hiring more first responders
- Expanding affordable housing
- Increasing transparency and communication from city government
He also promised to modernize how residents interact with city hall, calling for a customer-service mindset and the use of technology to streamline access to services. While avoiding partisan grandstanding, Ewing did not shy away from criticizing inefficiencies in the current administration and promising a renewed focus on core responsibilities.
In contrast, Stothert campaigned on Omaha’s economic momentum and the success of long-term projects, such as the streetcar line and the reimagined Gene Leahy Mall. But her critics, including Ewing, argued that these initiatives overshadowed pressing quality-of-life concerns, particularly in underserved parts of the city.
A Gracious Concession and a Legacy of Service
At her election night gathering, Stothert called Ewing to concede, offering not just congratulations but a message of optimism about Omaha’s future.
“John Ewing is inheriting a great city,” Stothert said. “We’re leaving behind a strong foundation, and we’re hopeful for what comes next.”
She added that leading Omaha for 12 years had been the honor of her life.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) also released a statement, striking a bipartisan tone and thanking both Stothert for her leadership and Ewing for his service to come.
“Jean has helped make Omaha one of the best places to live in America,” Bacon said. “And I look forward to working with Mayor Ewing on behalf of our shared constituents.”
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Ewing takes office at a pivotal moment. Omaha is:
- Navigating a housing affordability crisis
- Managing infrastructure needs amid population growth
- Responding to public safety and police-community relations
- Balancing investments in innovation with inclusive economic policies
As a former law enforcement officer, Ewing brings a nuanced view to policing and public safety—an issue that has sparked national debate and local concerns. His fiscal expertise as county treasurer also positions him to manage the city’s expanding budget and federal funding opportunities with transparency and discipline.
Importantly, Ewing’s historic win also carries symbolic weight for younger generations of leaders and citizens across Omaha and beyond, offering a new example of what leadership in the Midwest can—and should—look like in the 21st century.
A New Chapter for Omaha
As Omaha looks to the future, John Ewing’s election embodies both continuity and change. It honors the hard work and legacy of Jean Stothert’s administration while opening the door to a more inclusive, forward-thinking approach to governance.
It’s a defining moment—not just in who holds power, but in how power will be used to shape Omaha’s next chapter.
“This isn’t just about breaking barriers,” Ewing said. “It’s about building bridges.”
John Ewing Elected
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