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In a major political upset, Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing Jr. (D) has defeated three-term incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert (R) to become Omaha’s first Black mayor, according to projections by Decision Desk HQ. The nonpartisan race, widely seen through a partisan lens, caps a string of local victories for Democrats in traditionally conservative or competitive regions.
Ewing, a former deputy police chief, denied Stothert a chance at a historic fourth term, ending her 12-year tenure as Omaha’s first female mayor. Despite her past electoral strength, Ewing’s campaign resonated with a changing electorate in the heart of Nebraska’s blue-leaning 2nd Congressional District.
“This is a new era for Omaha,” said Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb, praising Ewing’s 43 years of public service. “We made historic progress tonight, and tomorrow, the hard work continues.”
Omaha last had a Democratic mayor in 2013, when Jim Suttle lost his reelection bid to Stothert. Democrats have long viewed the city — and the wider 2nd District — as a key battleground, particularly given the district’s electoral vote swings in presidential contests.
The Ewing-Stothert race remained largely focused on local concerns such as jobs, public safety, and affordable housing, but it turned sharply partisan in the final weeks. Stothert criticized Ewing over transgender rights, while Ewing linked Stothert to President Trump, highlighting broader Democratic messaging about Republican policies.
Ewing’s win follows a series of Democratic overperformances in state and local elections across the country. Just last month, Democrats won a key Wisconsin Supreme Court race and narrowed margins in two deep-red House districts in Florida. Earlier this year, they also flipped state Senate seats in Iowa and Pennsylvania, signaling strong grassroots energy.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin celebrated Ewing’s win, calling it evidence that voters want leaders focused on working families.
“After tonight, vulnerable House Republicans like Don Bacon are on notice,” Martin said, referring to the 2nd District representative Democrats have repeatedly targeted.
Ewing’s victory is both symbolic and strategic for Nebraska Democrats, marking a rare win at the city level in a state long dominated by Republicans.
