Voters in Omaha, Nebraska, elected Democrat John Ewing Jr. as their subsequent mayor in an upset election that denied incumbent Republican Mayor Jean Stothert a historic fourth time period. Ewing will function Omaha’s first Black mayor.
“It feels superb,” Ewing informed native TV station KETV after the historic victory Tuesday night time. Throughout his victory speech, the mayor-elect promised to satisfy his marketing campaign guarantees to handle public security, reasonably priced housing, and entry to a livable wage in Omaha.
“Thanks for putting your belief in me to guide our metropolis right into a brighter future. This victory isn’t mine alone. It belongs to each resident of the town of Omaha,” he informed supporters.
Ewing’s election is critical not solely due to its historic nature but in addition due to Nebraska’s sturdy conservative maintain. Omaha is without doubt one of the few voting areas within the state the place Democrats have a shot at successful elected workplace.
Earlier than operating for mayor, Ewing served as Douglas County treasurer for 18 years and was Omaha’s deputy police chief. The newly elected mayor additionally shared that two pastors predicted his historic election greater than a decade in the past.
“I used to be within the legislative chambers, and a pastor named Leroy Adams informed me I used to be going to be the primary Black mayor of Omaha. So I used to be like, ‘Oh, OK. Then…Pastor Cedric Perkins…informed me I used to be going to be the primary Black mayor of Omaha. So it actually resonated with me, and simply sort of at all times caught with me, and right here we’re right this moment,” shared Ewing.
Ewing, who will likely be sworn in as mayor on June 9, will be part of a rising listing of Black mayors in cities throughout the USA, together with in New York Metropolis, Los Angeles, Oakland, Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Kansas Metropolis, Tulsa, Cleveland, Newark and Pittsburgh.
Omaha’s subsequent mayor says his historic election is very significant due to the message it sends to younger individuals within the metropolis.
“One of many issues I’ve at all times wished to do is be a mentor and an instance for the younger individuals in our group, so they may consider that their desires had been potential,” he informed KETV. “I hope they consider that their desires are potential.”
