Mayoral election in Omaha, Nebraska (2025)
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←2021 |
| 2025 Omaha elections |
|---|
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| Election dates |
| Filing deadline: February 28, 2025 |
| Primary election: April 1, 2025 General election: May 13, 2025 |
| Election stats |
| Offices up: Mayor |
| Total seats up: 1(click here for other city elections) |
| Other municipal elections |
| U.S. municipal elections, 2025 |
John Ewing Jr. defeated incumbentJean Stothert in thenonpartisan election for mayor ofOmaha, Nebraska, on May 13, 2025.[1] Stothert was affiliated with theRepublican Party, while Ewing Jr. was affiliated with theDemocratic Party.[2][3] Ewing Jr. became the city's first Democratic mayor since 2013.[4]
Omaha World Herald's Henry J. Cordes and Julie Anderson wrote before the election, "While the mayor’s race is officiallynonpartisan ... that doesn’t mean partisan politics doesn’t come into play."[5] In Omaha, Democrats were 39% of the electorate, and Republicans were 33%.[6] Consultant Ryan Horn said the results of the primary and higher turnout in the general election would help Ewing: "I think the Democrats overperformed, and I think Jean underperformed — and that will make people think, 'There’s a race to be had here.'"[7]
Stothert was first elected in 2013. She campaigned on her record: "My vision for the future is obviously to make sure that I see a lot of projects that we started finished, but continue to help Omaha grow and thrive and attract more jobs and businesses here."[8] Stothert wanted to improve public safety and said on her website, "Public safety is my top priority. ... As we move forward, I pledge to maintain leadership in innovative policing and emergency response."[9]
Ewing Jr. was the treasurer ofDouglas County. He campaigned on his experience, and said, "I have a proven track record of 42 years of public service. Also, I believe if you look at the vote totals from the past two election cycles in 2018 and 2022 when I ran for re-election, I had the highest vote totals in both of those elections, so I believe that shows the citizens are happy with the level of leadership I’m providing in the treasurer’s office."[10] He said he wanted to spur economic growth in the city. His website said, "We will actively work to attract new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and invest in infrastructure projects that will stimulate economic development and job creation."[11]
Ewing campaigned on a message of change and said the primary results showed that "65% of voters wanted a new mayor. ... The most important thing an elected leader can do is be responsive."[12] Stothert said her record in office was representative of the city and said, "When I became mayor, I said 'I will be the mayor for everyone,' and I think over the past last 12 years, I’ve showed that."[12]
Omaha was one of 25 of the100 most populous U.S. cities with a Republican mayor. It ranked as the 38th largest U.S. city and the sixth largest Republican-led city. For more information on the partisan affiliation of the top 100 mayors in the U.S., clickhere.
This page covers the general election. For information on the April 1 primary, clickhere.
Candidates and election results
General election
General election for Mayor of Omaha
John Ewing Jr. defeated incumbentJean Stothert andJerome Wallace Sr. in the general election for Mayor of Omaha on May 13, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | John Ewing Jr. (Nonpartisan) | 56.8 | 53,671 |
 | Jean Stothert (Nonpartisan) | 42.9 | 40,531 | |
| Jerome Wallace Sr. (Nonpartisan) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.3 | 267 | ||
| Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 94,469 | ||
 = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Mayor of Omaha
IncumbentJean Stothert andJohn Ewing Jr. defeatedMike McDonnell,Jasmine Harris, andTerry Brewer in the primary for Mayor of Omaha on April 1, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jean Stothert (Nonpartisan) | 36.2 | 27,245 |
| ✔ | | John Ewing Jr. (Nonpartisan) | 32.7 | 24,605 |
 | Mike McDonnell (Nonpartisan) | 20.0 | 15,039 | |
 | Jasmine Harris (Nonpartisan) | 10.2 | 7,706 | |
 | Terry Brewer (Nonpartisan) | 0.7 | 563 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 50 | ||
| Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 75,208 | ||
| = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team. | ||||
Voting information
The following information came from the Douglas County Election Commission's website[13]:
- Monday,January 13, 2025:First day to request an early voting ballot for City of Omaha general.
- Friday, April 25, 2025:Deadline for voter registration.
- Monday, April 28, 2025:First day for early voting ballots to be received.
- Friday, May 2, 2025:Deadline for in-person voter registration at election commission office, 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 2, 2025:Deadline for early voting ballots to be requested to be mailed, 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 2, 2025:Deadline for replacement ballots to be requested to be mailed, 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 8, 2025:Extended office hours for early voting at Election Commission office, 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 10, 2025: Saturday hours for early voting at the Election Commission office, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Monday, May 12, 2025:Deadline for in-person early voting at election commission office, 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 13, 2025:City of Omaha General Election Day. Polls open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 20, 2025:Deadline for voters who failed to present valid photo ID at time of voting to present valid photo ID at the election commission, 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 22, 2025:Deadline for verification of provisional ballots, 5:00 p.m.
Candidate comparison
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, clickhere.
Incumbent: Yes
Political Office:
- Mayor of Omaha (Assumed office: 2013)
- Omaha City Council (2009-2013)
- Millard Board of Education (1997-2009)
Biography: Stothert received a bachelor's degree in nursing from Seattle Pacific University in 1981. She worked as a nurse and a nursing manager.
Key Messages
The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages,click here.
Stothert campaigned on continuing the work she had done in office: "My vision for the future is obviously to make sure that I see a lot of projects that we started finished, but continue to help Omaha grow and thrive and attract more jobs and businesses here."
Stothert campaigned on improving public safety. Her website said "Public safety is my top priority... As we move forward, I pledge to maintain leadership in innovative policing and emergency response."
Stothert campaigned on continuing to build infrastructure. Her website said: "Since assuming office, we have issued more than 181,000 commercial and residential building permits for a value of nearly $11 billion, signaling a thriving and dynamic future for our city."
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Omaha in 2025.
Incumbent: No
Political Office:
- Douglas County Treasurer (Assumed office: 2007)
Biography: Ewing Jr. received his bachelor's degrees in business and criminal justice and his master's degree in urban studies from the University of Omaha. He worked as a police officer and as a professor.
Key Messages
The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages,click here.
Ewing Jr. campaigned on his experience in public office saying "I have a proven track record of 42 years of public service...when I ran for re-election, I had the highest vote totals in both of those elections, so I believe that shows the citizens are happy with the level of leadership I’m providing in the treasurer’s office."
Ewing Jr. said hw would bring economic growth to Omaha. His website said he would "actively work to attract new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and invest in infrastructure projects that will stimulate economic development and job creation."
Ewing Jr. campaigned on improving public safety and his website said he would be "dedicated to implementing comprehensive strategies that will ensure the safety of our city. These strategies include a focus on community policing, proper officer training, and clear accountability standards that protect both officers and the public."
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Omaha in 2025.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
No candidate in this race completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.
Candidate ads
Jean Stothert
View more ads here:
John Ewing Jr.
Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for John Ewing Jr. while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, pleaseemail us.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia researchers did not identify any candidate websites that provide endorsement information. If you are aware of a website that should be included, pleaseemail us.
Election spending
Campaign finance
Candidates in this election submitted campaign finance reports to theNebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. Clickhere to see those reports.
Satellite spending
- See also:Satellite spending
Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees,super PACs, trade associations, and501(c)(4)nonprofit groups.[14][15][16]
If available, this section includes links to online resources tracking satellite spending in this election. To notify us of a resource to add,email us.
Election context
Ballot access requirements
Information on ballot access requirements for candidates can be foundhere.
Past elections
2021
See also: Mayoral election in Omaha, Nebraska (2021)
General election
General election for Mayor of Omaha
IncumbentJean Stothert defeatedRJ Neary in the general election for Mayor of Omaha on May 11, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jean Stothert (Nonpartisan) | 64.4 | 62,646 |
 | RJ Neary (Nonpartisan) | 34.8 | 33,822 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.9 | 859 | ||
| Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 97,327 | ||
| = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Mayor of Omaha
The following candidates ran in the primary for Mayor of Omaha on April 6, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jean Stothert (Nonpartisan) | 56.6 | 47,976 |
| ✔ | | RJ Neary (Nonpartisan) | 15.5 | 13,166 |
| Jasmine Harris (Nonpartisan) | 14.2 | 12,002 | |
 | Kimara Snipes (Nonpartisan) | 8.8 | 7,472 | |
 | Mark Gudgel (Nonpartisan) | 4.8 | 4,087 | |
| Jerome Wallace Sr. (Nonpartisan) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 106 | ||
| Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 84,809 | ||
| = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team. | ||||
2017
IncumbentJean Stothert defeatedHeath Mello in the general election for mayor of Omaha.[17]
| Mayor of Omaha, General Election, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Jean StothertIncumbent | 52.78% | 52,509 |
| Heath Mello | 47.01% | 46,761 |
| Write-in votes | 0.21% | 209 |
| Total Votes | 99,479 | |
| Source:Douglas County Election Commission, "Official Results," accessed June 28, 2017 | ||
IncumbentJean Stothert andHeath Mello defeatedTaylor Royal,Ean Mikale, andChristopher Geary in the primary election for mayor of Omaha.[17]
| Mayor of Omaha, Primary Election, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Jean StothertIncumbent | 43.71% | 25,501 |
| Heath Mello | 41.40% | 24,155 |
| Taylor Royal | 10.78% | 6,289 |
| Ean Mikale | 3.05% | 1,781 |
| Christopher Geary | 0.94% | 547 |
| Write-in votes | 0.11% | 67 |
| Total Votes | 58,340 | |
| Source:Douglas County Election Commission, "Official Results," accessed April 25, 2017 | ||
2013
Stothert defeated incumbent mayor Jim Suttle on May 14, 2013.
| Mayor of Omaha, 2013 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Jean Stothert | 57.2% | 48,290 | |
| Jim SuttleIncumbent | 42.8% | 36,120 | |
| Total Votes | 84,410 | ||
| Source:Douglass County Official Election Results | |||
Mayoral partisanship
Omaha has a Democratic mayor. As of November 2025, 66 mayors in thelargest 100 cities by population are affiliated with theDemocratic Party, 23 are affiliated with theRepublican Party, one is affiliated with theLibertarian Party, three are independents, five identify as nonpartisan or unaffiliated, and two mayors' affiliations are unknown.Click here for a list of the 100 largest cities' mayors and their partisan affiliations.
Mayoral elections are officially nonpartisan in most of the nation's largest cities. However, many officeholders are affiliated with political parties. Ballotpedia uses one or more of the following sources to identify each officeholder's partisan affiliation: (1) direct communication from the officeholder, (2) current or previous candidacy for partisan office, or (3) identification of partisan affiliation by multiple media outlets.
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Take our candidate survey
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About the city
- See also:Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is a city inDouglas County,Nebraska. As of 2020, its population was 486,051.
City government
- See also:Mayor-council government
The city of Omaha uses a strong mayor and city council system. In this form of municipal government, the city council serves as the city's primary legislative body while the mayor serves as the city's chief executive.[18]
Demographics
The following table displays demographic data provided by theUnited States Census Bureau.
| Demographic Data for Omaha, Nebraska | ||
|---|---|---|
| Omaha | Nebraska | |
| Population | 486,051 | 1,961,504 |
| Land area (sq mi) | 142 | 76,817 |
| Race and ethnicity** | ||
| White | 75.5% | 85.3% |
| Black/African American | 12.1% | 4.8% |
| Asian | 4% | 2.5% |
| Native American | 0.5% | 0.9% |
| Pacific Islander | 0% | 0.1% |
| Other (single race) | N/A | 2.5% |
| Multiple | 5% | 3.9% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 14.1% | 11.2% |
| Education | ||
| High school graduation rate | 89.8% | 91.6% |
| College graduation rate | 38.3% | 32.5% |
| Income | ||
| Median household income | $62,213 | $63,015 |
| Persons below poverty level | 12% | 10.4% |
| Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau,"Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau,"American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2015-2020). | ||
| **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the censushere. | ||
Additional elections on the ballot
- See also:Nebraska elections, 2025
February 11, 2025
April 1, 2025
May 13, 2025
2025 battleground elections
- See also:Battlegrounds
This was abattleground election. Other 2025 battleground elections included:
- Miami Board of Commissioners District 4 special election (2025)
- Minnesota State Senate District 6 special election, 2025
- New Jersey gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2025 (June 10 Democratic primary)
See also
| Omaha, Nebraska | Nebraska | Municipal government | Other local coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑Decision Desk HQ, "Omaha Mayor General Election," accessed May 13, 2025
- ↑WOWT, "Election 2025: Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert to run for fourth term," March 26, 2024
- ↑Omaha World-Herald, "John Ewing Jr. a self-described 'nuts and bolts guy' will run for Omaha mayor," April 4, 2025
- ↑The Hill, "Democrat ousts incumbent Republican in Omaha mayoral race," May 13, 2025
- ↑Omaha World-Herald, "Jean Stothert and John Ewing to square off in Omaha mayor general election," April 2, 2025
- ↑Flatwater Free Press, "Blue not: House seat, mayor’s office stay red in Omaha ‘blue dot.’ Why?" January 9, 2025
- ↑WOWT, "Election 2025 analysis: Omaha mayoral race could put party politics back in play," April 2, 2025
- ↑KETV, "Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert officially files paperwork for re-election," February 20, 2025
- ↑Jean Stothert 2025 campaign website, "Priorities", accessed March 12, 2025
- ↑WOWT, "Election 2025: John Ewing officially announces run for Omaha mayor," April 4, 2024
- ↑John Ewing 2025 campaign website, "John's Vision for Omaha," accessed March 12, 2025
- ↑12.012.1Omaha World-Herald, "Stothert, Ewing clash over streetcar, homelessness during first Omaha general election debate," April 17, 2025
- ↑Douglas County Election Commission, "Election Deadlines," accessed March 12, 2025
- ↑OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," December 12, 2021
- ↑17.017.1Douglas County Election Commission, "Candidate Information," accessed February 28, 2017
- ↑City of Omaha, "About our Government," accessed October 22, 2014
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