‘Old guard’ Dem beats incumbent progressive in Pittsburgh mayor primary

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey faced a tough challenge in the Democratic primary from Corey O’Connor, the son of a former city leader. O’Connor, who had the support of the party’s “old guard” and some Republicans, ultimately emerged victorious in a race that was unexpectedly competitive.

Gainey, known as the progressive candidate, started the campaign with similar funding to O’Connor. However, O’Connor’s fundraising efforts surpassed Gainey’s by April, allowing him to run a strong campaign in a city that has not seen such a close partisan contest in decades.

O’Connor received support from Republican donors and traditional Democratic backers, positioning himself as the candidate who could lead Pittsburgh in the right direction. He emphasized the need to support law enforcement and outlined plans to revitalize the downtown area. Outside groups like Common Sense Change Action and Democracy Wins also contributed significantly to O’Connor’s campaign.

Gainey, who made history as the city’s first Black mayor in 2021, focused on attracting new businesses to Pittsburgh and supporting policies that benefit working families. He took a stand against federal ICE operations and criticized President Trump’s budget cuts, calling them detrimental to Western Pennsylvania.

Despite his efforts to prioritize community policing and affordable housing, Gainey was unable to secure a second term as mayor. O’Connor’s victory signals a shift in leadership style and priorities for Pittsburgh, with an emphasis on revitalization and economic growth.

On the Republican side, retired Police Det. Tony Moreno and clothier Thomas West are competing in the GOP primary for a chance to challenge O’Connor in the general election. In other parts of Pennsylvania, progressive candidates like Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk are facing off against more traditional Democratic opponents.

The outcome of the Pittsburgh mayoral race reflects a broader trend in Pennsylvania politics, with a mix of new and established voices vying for leadership positions. As O’Connor prepares to take office, the city awaits to see how his vision for Pittsburgh will unfold and whether he can deliver on his promises of progress and revitalization.