The mayoral race in Pittsburgh has heated up as voters participate in the primary election, where incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey is up against Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor for the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, retired police officer Tony Moreno and businessman Thomas West are vying for their party’s nomination. The ultimate nominees will face off in the general election in November.
As polls closed at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, reports indicated minor issues in Allegheny County, including power outages and equipment malfunctions that briefly hindered the opening of some polling locations. However, these concerns were resolved by mid-morning. One polling site, the Mt. Rise Baptist Church, closed temporarily due to a natural gas odor, directing voters to a nearby location.
Incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey, who made history as Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor by defeating Bill Peduto in the last primary, is highlighting his achievements in affordable housing and public safety as he seeks re-election. Gainey emphasized his commitment to creating an inclusive city: “Building a city for all… So we’re very excited about this.”
Challenger Corey O’Connor, who is seeking to honor his late father Bob O’Connor’s legacy, expressed his belief in the possibility of positive change: “We can take our city in a different direction where we’re more transparent… Pittsburgh should be every family’s first choice.”
On the Republican front, Moreno echoes a desire for change, stating, “We’re talking about the same exact issues we were talking about four years ago,” while West positions himself as a fresh alternative, ready to lead with new ideas.
Voter turnout has been a focal point, and as results come in, the future political landscape of Pittsburgh will be shaped by the choices made today.
Overall, the enthusiasm from both parties indicates a robust civic engagement, setting the stage for a competitive race ahead.