John Ewing becomes Omaha, Nebraska’s first Black mayor

John Ewing Jr. has made history, becoming the first Black mayor in Omaha, Nebraska after defeating Republican Mayor Jean Stothert.

Ewing secured a decisive win with an unofficial tally of 48,693 votes to Stothert’s 37,758, according to the Douglas County Election Commission.

The results will be officially certified on May 29.

Historic: John Ewing becomes Omaha mayor

ABC News noted that Omaha’s elections are usually nonpartisan as political parties are not listed on the ballot, but both campaigns began to reveal more about their party affiliations as election day drew closer.

His election marks a significant political shift in the city, as Ewing will be the first Democratic mayor since 2013. Stothert, a three-term incumbent, was also a trailblazer as Omaha’s first elected female mayor.

Before winning the mayoral election, Ewing was a former deputy police chief in Omaha and current treasurer of Douglas County, Nebraska.

“One of the things I’ve always wanted to do is be a mentor and an example for the young people in our community, so they could believe that their dreams were possible. And I hope they’re watching tonight. I hope they believe that their dreams are possible,” Ewing told ABC affiliate KETV.

Ewing is scheduled to be sworn into office on June 9.