Context:

John Ewing Jr., a Democrat and longtime Douglas County treasurer, appears poised to win the mayoral race in Omaha, Nebraska, unseating the Republican incumbent, Jean Stothert, who was seeking a fourth term. This historic victory would make Ewing the first elected Black mayor of Omaha, a city with significant political influence in presidential elections. Despite the race being officially nonpartisan, the candidates' political affiliations were clear, with Ewing's win marking a shift in the city's political landscape. The election drew national attention, providing insight into voter sentiment and signaling potential Democratic momentum ahead of the midterm elections. Ewing highlighted issues such as public safety, affordable housing, and retaining young residents, while Stothert's campaign was marked by her focus on development, public safety, and cultural issues like transgender rights.

Dive Deeper:

• John Ewing Jr. leads the Omaha mayoral race against Republican Jean Stothert by about 10,900 votes, with 87,000 ballots counted and approximately 7,000 early ballots yet to be tallied. This would conclude a lengthy period of Republican leadership in the city.

• Ewing's victory would be historic as he would become Omaha's first elected Black mayor. Previously, Fred Conley served briefly as acting mayor in 1988 following the incumbent's death.

• The Omaha mayoral race, although nonpartisan, has drawn national attention due to its timing after a presidential term and the city's strategic importance in presidential elections. This is highlighted by the involvement of both state and national Democratic leaders who celebrate Ewing's apparent victory as a sign of party strength.

• Jean Stothert, the first woman to lead Omaha, campaigned on her record of development and public safety. However, her campaign also addressed cultural issues, notably those concerning transgender rights, which Ewing's team criticized as unfounded.

• Omaha, a politically mixed city in a predominantly Republican state, has more registered Democrats than Republicans. The city is home to major businesses like Union Pacific Railroad and Berkshire Hathaway, contributing to its significant economic and political role.

• The electoral dynamics of Omaha are complex, as seen in its congressional district, which awards an electoral vote per district. This district, represented by Republican Don Bacon, has seen close election results, with Kamala Harris winning the electoral vote in 2020.

• Ewing's campaign has focused on critical issues such as public safety, affordable housing, and stemming the exodus of young people from the city, which resonated with voters and contributed to his leading position in this pivotal race.