He’s ushering in a new era for the city!
In a city where no Black person has ever held the top office, John Ewing Jr. has just changed the course of history. On May 13th, the longtime Douglas County Treasurer became Omaha, Nebraska’s first Black mayor, defeating Jean Stothert, the city’s first female mayor, in a landmark upset after her 12 years in office, Black Enterprise reports.
It was a victory steeped in significance. Omaha, the state’s largest city and home to nearly a quarter of Nebraska’s population, has been navigating racial tensions and political division for years. Ewing’s win isn’t just a changing of the guard—it’s a turning point in how leadership is envisioned and enacted in the heartland.
“I called John Ewing, and I congratulated him,” Stothert shared in her concession speech. “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.”
The race itself was heated, touching on everything from infrastructure and public safety to affordable housing. But it also became a referendum on broader national issues—transgender rights, associations with the Trump administration, and party affiliations—even though the mayoral office is technically nonpartisan.
Stothert took a hard line in campaign ads, accusing Ewing of aligning with “radicals.” Ewing, a retired Omaha Police Department officer, countered by calling for unity, clarity, and practical solutions: “Let’s say no to the chaos and elect a mayor who will actually get things done,” one of his campaign messages read. And Omaha’s voters listened.
Even as some political figures—like Nebraska’s Republican Governor Jim Pillen—expressed disappointment in the election outcome, others across party lines embraced the historic moment. Congressman Don Bacon congratulated the new mayor, pledging to work together for the good of Omaha. Heath Mello, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, also offered his support, stating, “We look forward to meeting with him soon and collaborating on plans for Omaha’s bright future.”
Ewing’s victory is a win for the people of Omaha and a testament to perseverance, civic trust, and long-overdue representation. In a state where Black residents make up roughly 23% of the population, this moment carries weight beyond a single ballot—it’s a reflection of possibility.
As the city looks toward the future, John Ewing Jr. steps into the mayor’s office carrying not just the hopes of a new administration but the pride of those who have waited for generations to see leadership that looks like them. His victory reminds us all: change is possible, and history continues to be made.
Cover photo: John Ewing Jr. Makes History as Omaha, Nebraska’s First Black Mayor/Photo Credit: John Ewing for Omaha