Omaha Nebraska holds its mayoral election on May 13, 2025 as voters choose between candidates in a highly anticipated contest. The election determines more than City Hall leadership because it tests Omaha’s ability to assert political influence in a deeply Republican state. The current Mayor Jean Stothert seeks her fourth term as a Republican candidate while John Ewing Jr. runs as a Democratic former deputy police chief who aims to become Omaha’s first Black mayor. This election promises to be an intense battle.
A City Divided, a Nation Watching
Omaha maintains a distinct position as an unusual place within Nebraska. The 2nd Congressional District of Omaha stands out as the “blue dot” because it maintains competitive elections despite Nebraska’s consistent Republican voter base. The U.S. contains only a few urban areas where Republicans hold power and this district represents one such location under Rep. Don Bacon’s leadership. The district has switched its electoral vote twice since 1992 when it supported Obama in 2008 and Biden in 2020. The 2024 election saw Kamala Harris perform well but Trump maintained control of this district. The current mayoral election provides early indications about the upcoming 2026 midterm elections because Trump has returned to the White House and his popularity has declined.
Stothert who has been mayor since 2013 uses her accomplishments in job creation and public safety and economic development to support her re-election bid. The critics argue that Stothert failed to increase police force numbers because the department remains below its 900-officer target. Her substantial campaign funds amount to nearly double what Ewing has collected and her well-known name provides her with significant political advantages. She expressed on a podcast that she supports Trump’s law enforcement and economic strategies but does not fully endorse all his decisions.
Ewing presents a bold message of transformation to voters while emphasizing positive change. The law enforcement professional presents himself as the candidate who will protect Omaha while motivating young people from disadvantaged areas. He declared to a gathering of supporters that winning the election would prove to all children that they possess leadership potential. The Democratic candidate receives support from prominent figures including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and counts on Omaha’s minimal Republican advantage (39% to 32%) and independent voter support to secure the victory.
Why This Matters Beyond Omaha
The upcoming election serves as preparation for upcoming major political contests. The 2nd District remains a competitive area where Democrats seek to demonstrate their ability to convert public opposition to Trump into electoral success. Democrats have recently achieved unexpected victories such as Florida special elections and Wisconsin Supreme Court victories which has boosted their confidence. The Republican Party seeks to maintain control of Omaha after their successful 2024 congressional victory. Both parties observe voter responses to Trump’s tariffs which create economic uncertainty.
The April primary served as a warning sign for both parties. Stothert emerged victorious but Ewing maintained a close second place among five candidates. The Democratic Party sees this situation as an opportunity to pull off an upset but Stothert’s financial resources and political influence make her difficult to defeat. Ewing needs to motivate diverse Omaha voters while capitalizing on the growing discontent with the national Republican Party.
The Big Picture
The Omaha mayoral election presents more than basic municipal issues because it reflects the current state of America. The Democratic Party seeks to convert public discontent with Trump’s second presidential term into victories in local elections. Republicans face a challenge to maintain their control of a city which shows increasing purple tendencies instead of remaining red. The 2026 election will be significant because Bacon’s seat and the blue dot’s electoral vote will return to competition.
Omaha voters will choose their mayor today while simultaneously expressing their political views through their ballot selection. The election between Stothert and Ewing will create national political effects that extend beyond Nebraska state boundaries. Keep an eye on this one.