For Nebraska conservatives, the outcome of Omaha’s historic mayoral election is concerning: John Ewing Jr., the city’s first Black mayor, defeated longtime Republican Jean Stothert. The shocking upset marks a worrying change in Nebraska politics, particularly in a crucial congressional district that has long been seen as a Republican stronghold.
Democrats Overtake Republican Leadership in Omaha
John Ewing Jr. claimed victory against three-term Republican Mayor Jean Stothert despite being significantly outspent in the race. His campaign strategically linked Stothert to policies associated with former President Trump, creating a narrative resonating with the city’s left-leaning voters.
🚨MAJOR BREAKING NEWS: In a defeat that has left MAGA STUNNED, Democrat John Ewing Jr. has just won the mayoral race in deep red Omaha, Nebraska, defeating twelve-year GOP incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert.
This makes him the first Black mayor in the history of the city.
More:… pic.twitter.com/T2S0keUX0Y
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) May 14, 2025
Democrat victories extended beyond the mayor’s office, with LaVonya Goodwin winning the District 2 City Council race against Ben Gray. The elections represent a concerning pattern of Democratic encroachment in an area that has traditionally supported conservative values and leadership.
Liberal Tactics Undermine Republican Mayor
Stothert’s campaign faced relentless attacks linking her to national Republican policies despite her attempts to distance herself from certain controversial positions. Ewing’s campaign rhetoric about “chaos” and change overshadowed her focus on traditional values and practical governance.
Democrat John Ewing Jr. just fired the longest-serving GOP mayor in the country—flipping Omaha blue and making history as the city’s first Black mayor.
Omaha was the 6th-largest Republican-led city in the United States.
Was.
Midterms just got interesting. pic.twitter.com/UmtwnpqIwV
— Shea Jordan Smith (@shea_jordan) May 14, 2025
In its final weeks, the mayoral race took on national political overtones, drawing attention away from local issues and toward divisive national topics. Stothert’s campaign struggled to maintain focus on her strong record of governance and economic development in the face of politically motivated attacks.
Battleground Implications for Congressional Races
This Democratic victory has alarming implications for Nebraska’s 2nd congressional district, currently held by Republican Representative Don Bacon. Ewing’s success signals potential vulnerability for Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections in a district that had been reliable for conservative representation.
“John Ewing is inheriting tonight a great city. And we leave a strong foundation for the city that we all love. We are proud, we are grateful, and we are hopeful.” – Jean Stothert.
Stothert graciously conceded the race while emphasizing the strong foundation her administration had built during her three terms as mayor. Republicans now face the challenge of regrouping to defend against further Democratic advances in a district that could be pivotal for maintaining conservative representation in Congress.
Sources:
https://www.1011now.com/2025/05/14/election-2025-omaha-elects-john-ewing-jr-mayor-historic-upset/
https://newrepublic.com/post/195236/donald-trump-effect-democrats-historic-victory-omaha-mayor