Democrat John Ewing Jr. Elected 1st Black Mayor Of Omaha

Democrat John Ewing Jr. is set to become the next mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, making history as the city’s first Black mayor. According to KETV 7 Omaha, on Tuesday night, the Douglas County Treasurer won the official vote of the general election, beating out Republican incumbent Jean Stothert who has served as mayor of Omaha since 2013. Per First Alert 6, Ewing claimed the spot with a 56.3% vote, soaring past Stothert’s 43.7% vote. 

During his victory speech, the former Omaha Police Department Deputy Chief thanked voters for supporting him, vowing to be a “role model” for young Omahans.

“What I’ve always wanted to do is to be a role model for our young people in this community. And I want each of our young people — I hope they’re watching, I hope they see these newscasts, I hope they read about it — because I want them to believe that no matter where they start, no matter what they look like, no matter what their temporary circumstances are today that their dreams are possible,” the mayor-elect said. “Tonight we embark on a new chapter. I am deeply, honored and humbled to be standing before you today as your mayor in Black.”

Ewing has dedicated his life to public service.

Ewing has a resume fit for the job. Born and raised in North Omaha, he brings more than 40 years of dedicated public service to his role. His career includes nearly 25 years with the Omaha Police Department, where he rose through the ranks to retire as Deputy Chief, according to his website. Under the role, he was responsible for overseeing a wide array of critical operations, including budget management, fleet and facilities, the Detention Unit, Crime Lab, Research and Planning, the Customer Services Unit, the Air Support Unit, and various other support services.

Ewing also served as Unit Commander of the Special Victims Unit, leading investigations into crimes against women and children. His efforts extended beyond law enforcement into legislative advocacy, drafting laws to improve protections for victims and testifying before the Omaha City Council and Nebraska State Legislature. His efforts contributed to the enactment of ten new state laws in the summer of 2004.

Following his distinguished tenure with the police department, Ewing served for 18 years as Douglas County Treasurer, where he oversaw the collection of more than $1.7 billion in taxes for multiple governmental entities within the county. His responsibilities included managing county and Sanitary Improvement District investments and ensuring the accurate disbursement of tax revenue to the appropriate agencies.

Throughout his campaign, Ewing has pledged to build upon the foundation laid by Mayor Stothert while accelerating progress in key areas that matter most to Omaha’s future. His priorities include expanding job opportunities, increasing access to affordable housing, strengthening public safety, and revitalizing the urban core, First Alert 6 noted. Ewing is also committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are strategically invested in initiatives that drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Notably, the politician’s historic appointment comes just days before the anniversary of the late great Malcolm X’s birthday (May 19, 1925), a civil rights leader also born and raised in Omaha. The timing is significant, as the new role symbolizes a continuation of the legacy and mission for equality championed by freedom fighters like Malcolm X.

In her concession speech, on Tuesday, Stothert congratulated Ewing, expressing joy over the Democrat’s next chapter as mayor.

“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,” she said.

Ewing’s daughters, Christina and Alexandria, were also present to watch their father make history.

“I believe the city of Omaha needs a mayor like John Ewing because we deserve someone we can trust, someone who is honest, someone who listens, and someone who has a proven track record for getting things done,” Alexandria gushed during an interview with KEYTV 7 Omaha. “I truly believe, from the bottom of my heart, that my dad has done that for his 43 years of service–I’m so excited.”

Ewing will be sworn in on June 9.

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