Democratic-aligned candidate defeats Omaha mayor in presidential battleground territory

Omaha’s first female mayor, Jean Stothert, has conceded the mayoral race to John Ewing, who will likely become the community’s first Black mayor.

OMAHA, Neb. — Omaha’s first female mayor has conceded the mayoral race to a man who will likely be the community’s first Black mayor.

Voters in Omaha were making history Tuesday by either reelecting the city’s first female mayor to a rare fourth term or electing the community’s first Black mayor.

The race between Mayor Jean Stothert and challenger John Ewing primarily revolved around local issues like street repairs and garbage service, but in the final stretch the campaign touched on more national, hot-button issues such as President Donald Trump’s administration and transgender rights.

Stothert was trailing by nearly 5,000 votes in early returns Tuesday night. At her election night event, Stothert said she called Ewing and conceded in the race, KETV reported.

“I called John Ewing and I congratulated him,” Stothert said. “John Ewing is inheriting tonight a great city, and we leave a strong foundation for the city that we love. We are grateful and we are hopeful.”