Omaha, Nebraska, the largest city in the state, made history on May 13, 2025, by electing its first African American mayor, Democrat John Ewing Jr. This significant event marked the end of a three-term Republican leadership under Jean Stothert, who was the first female mayor of Omaha. Ewing won the general election with 45,336 or 55.5%, based on unofficial results of votes, compared to Stothert’s 36,307 or 44.5%. A write-in candidate received 242 votes, accounting for 0.28%. The election saw a significant voter turnout, with Stothert securing more votes in the primary, 27,245 (36.22%), while Ewing received 24,605 votes (32.72%). Both candidates received additional votes in the general election with Ewing obtaining more votes than his opponent.
Ewing’s first foray into politics came in 2012 when he ran for the United States House of Representatives seat to represent Nebraska’s 2nd District. Despite facing a formidable opponent in the incumbent, Lee Terry, who was also his high school classmate, Ewing’s spirited campaign introduced him to audiences across Omaha.
Ewing’s 2025 victory in the mayor’s race was a personal triumph but it also represented a significant political shift for Omaha. He achieved notable support in the east-central and North Omaha precincts, bordered by I-80 to the south and I-680 to the west, signaling a new era for these communities. In the final 12 days of the campaign, Ewing gained momentum from a $45,000 influx of funds, primarily from philanthropic donors and labor unions.
Born on April 18, 1961, Ewing graduated from Omaha Northwest High School in 1979. In 1985, he married Dr. Vivyonne Ewing, president and CEO of Children’s Square U.S.A., a child welfare organization, and an alumna of the University of Nebraska. They have one son and two daughters.
From 1982 to 2006, Ewing served as Deputy Chief of Police at the Omaha Police Department and as an Associate Minister at Salem Baptist Church. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction in criminal justice and business administration, as well as a Master of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
In 2007 John Ewing Jr. became the Douglas County Treasurer, a role to which he was re-elected in 2010. His diverse positions highlight his versatility as an ordained minister at Salem Baptist Church and an adjunct professor at his alma mater. With such a varied background, he is well-prepared to serve as Omaha’s first African American mayor.
