May 19, 2025 Story by: Editor
John Ewing Jr., a Democrat and former law‑enforcement leader, will be sworn in on June 9, 2025, as the first Black mayor of Omaha, Nebraska—breaking a political streak in a city long led by Republicans.
His upset victory over three‑term incumbent Jean Stothert not only marks a historic milestone for racial representation but also signals shifting political dynamics in this Midwestern “blue dot”. Ewing’s campaign, built on affordable housing, economic opportunity, and community unity, resonated with voters in a district where education and independent voters tilt the balance.
Early Life and Education
Born April 18, 1961, in Omaha, Ewing graduated from Omaha Northwest High School, where he played football and basketball. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration and Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Urban Studies from the University of Nebraska Omaha—credentials that underpinned his dual careers in public service and civic leadership.
Law Enforcement Career
Ewing spent nearly 25 years with the Omaha Police Department, rising to the rank of Deputy Police Chief before retiring in 2006. In that role, he oversaw community policing initiatives aimed at reducing crime through neighborhood engagement, laying the groundwork for his reputation as a collaborative problem‑solver.
Douglas County Treasurer
In January 2007, Ewing transitioned to elected office as Douglas County Treasurer, a position he has held for 18 years. As treasurer, he managed the county’s $2 billion portfolio, modernized tax collection systems, and expanded financial literacy programs for senior citizens and veterans. His financial stewardship bolstered his image as a capable administrator with deep ties to community needs .
Mayoral Campaign and Platform
Ewing launched his mayoral bid in late 2024, focusing on three pillars:
- Affordable Housing: Proposing a city‑funded initiative to develop 2,000 workforce housing units over five years.
- Economic Development: Partnering with local businesses and college graduates to create 5,000 new jobs in tech, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Transparent Governance: Pledging open‑data dashboards for city budgets and mayoral decisions to rebuild trust in municipal leadership.
He positioned himself against national partisan divides by emphasizing local solutions—“Omaha first, politics second,” he told supporters.
Historic Victory
Ewing defeated Jean Stothert by nearly 11,000 votes, overcoming her fundraising advantage and years of incumbent name recognition. His win ended a 16‑year streak of Republican mayors and made Omaha one of the largest U.S. cities to elect a Black leader—a watershed moment in Nebraska politics.
Transition and Priorities Ahead
In his first public appearance since the election, Ewing spoke at the Rotary Club of Omaha’s Honor Roll Ceremony, stressing the importance of role models in leadership and outlining transition steps with a team led by former Mayor Jim Suttle. He has selected his chief deputy and plans to finalize his cabinet appointments before taking office.
Ewing’s immediate goals include launching a city‑wide housing task force, convening a crisis‑response team for public safety, and calling for a special session of the City Council to address infrastructure backlogs—signaling a proactive start to his term.
Broader Implications
Political analysts view Ewing’s victory as part of a larger trend of Democratic gains in suburban, educated districts nationwide—with Omaha’s “blue dot” status reinforcing his appeal. His election also underscores the growing influence of independent and non‑white voters in shaping local leadership, offering a case study for other Midwestern cities seeking inclusive governance.
As John Ewing Jr. prepares to assume office on June 9, all eyes will be on how he translates decades of public‑sector experience into transformative policies for Omaha’s residents, especially in areas of racial equity, economic opportunity, and civic engagement.
Source: The Washington Post / KETV / NPR / Des Moines Register /Ballotpedia / John Ewing for Omaha Mayor 2025
