May 14, 2025 Story by: Publisher
John Ewing Jr., Douglas County treasurer and a longtime public servant, dethroned three‑term incumbent Jean Stothert on May 13, 2025, to become Omaha’s first elected Black mayor. With 48,693 votes (56.2%) to Stothert’s 37,758 (43.6%), Ewing’s victory capped a campaign focused on basic city services, public safety, and inclusive leadership.
A Career Built on Service
Ewing, a Democrat, brings nearly two decades of experience in public finance and community engagement. He has served as county treasurer since 2007, overseeing the distribution of property‑tax revenues to schools, municipalities, and public agencies. Earlier, he worked as Norfolk’s deputy police chief and led faith‑based outreach programs in North Omaha—an area he often cited as the cornerstone of his community ties.
Campaign Themes: Streets, Safety, and Equity
Though Omaha’s mayoral races are officially nonpartisan, the contest took on clear partisan tones. Stothert, a Republican and the city’s first female mayor, touted her record on downtown revitalization, riverfront development, and streetcar planning. She warned voters against national partisan conflicts, running ads accusing Ewing of aligning with “radicals” on transgender‑rights issues.
Ewing countered by zeroing in on everyday city concerns. “We need potholes fixed, garbage collected reliably, and more officers on the beat,” he told supporters. His ads tied Stothert to former President Trump’s divisive politics, arguing that Omaha deserved leadership focused on unity rather than national culture wars.
Voter Turnout and Demographics
Turnout for the general election rose to an estimated 35%, up from 28% in 2021, driven by energized turnout in North and South Omaha precincts. Those areas—home to larger Black and immigrant communities—showed overwhelming support for Ewing, with precinct‑level data indicating he received more than 70% of votes there.
Historic Significance
Ewing’s win marks a milestone for Nebraska’s largest city, which accounts for nearly a quarter of the state’s population. “Tonight isn’t just about me,” Ewing said in his acceptance remarks. “It’s a testament to the strength of Omaha’s diverse neighborhoods and the belief that service and unity can move us forward.”
Mayor‑elect Ewing will be sworn in on June 9. He has pledged to hold neighborhood listening sessions in his first weeks in office—part of an “Omaha First” agenda to rebuild trust and accelerate infrastructure improvements across all wards.
What’s Next
Stothert called Ewing to concede late Tuesday night. “John Ewing inherits a great city and a strong foundation,” she said. With the transition underway, Ewing’s administration faces immediate tests: approving the next city budget, addressing a backlog of street repairs, and staffing the police department to meet public‑safety needs.
As Omaha charts a new course, John Ewing Jr.’s election underscores both the city’s evolving demographics and its appetite for leadership grounded in local priorities and community service.
