Mayoral election in Omaha, Nebraska, 2025 (April 1 top-two primary)
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| 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 |
Incumbent Jean Stothert and John Ewing Jr. defeated three other candidates in the nonpartisan primary for mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, on April 1, 2025. Stothert and Ewing Jr. advanced to the general election on May 13, 2025.[1][2]
Three candidates led in polling and fundraising: Stothert, Ewing Jr., and Mike McDonnell. The filing deadline for this election was February 28, 2025.
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."[3] She 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."[4] Stothert was affiliated with the Republican Party.[5]
Ewing Jr. was the treasurer of Douglas County. He campaigned on his experience, and said, "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."[6] 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."[7] Ewing Jr. was affiliated with the Democratic Party.[8]
McDonnell was a former state senator for District 5. McDonnell wanted to reduce government spending. "We have to control spending," McDonnell said. "The first day in office … we’re going to zero out the budget and do performance-based budgeting. There’s something going on here."[9] McDonnell wanted to create special zones to help get homeless individuals off the street, and said, "What we want to do is create a safe zone where people can come to an area and make sure that they have the facilities, they have the basic needs and counseling."[10] McDonnell switched his party affiliation from the Democratic to the Republican Party in April 2024.[11] For more information on state legislators who switched parties, click here.
In Omaha, a streetcar was under construction and was expected to be operational in 2028.[12] The development of the streetcar was an issue in the race. McDonnell criticized the construction of the streetcar and wanted to stop it and put the plan on the ballot. He said, "If I'm wrong, and the people decide they want the streetcar, I'll work night and day to make it successful, but I don't believe that's what the people want."[13] Ewing Jr. was also critical of the project but said he would maintain it because it was too far in progress. He said, "While I believe this decision is detrimental to Omaha and that the mayor was irresponsible in committing us to this project, it’s unfortunately too late to stop it. Legal action at this point would be costly and likely unsuccessful, as contracts have already been signed and bridges demolished."[14] Stothert supported the plan as helping to facilitate economic growth. Her website said, "Initiatives such as the modern streetcar project will seamlessly connect our attractions and employers with popular entertainment districts and university campuses, fostering a vibrant, accessible community that attracts new businesses and young professionals."[4]
Terry Brewer and Jasmine Harris also ran. Ballotpedia could not identify a partisan affiliation for Brewer, while Harris was affiliated with the Democratic Party.[15]
Omaha was one of 25 of the 100 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., click here.
Candidates and election results
General election
General election for Mayor of Omaha
John Ewing Jr. defeated incumbent Jean Stothert and Jerome 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 | ||
| Total votes: 94,469 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Mayor of Omaha
Incumbent Jean Stothert and John Ewing Jr. defeated Mike McDonnell, Jasmine Harris, and Terry 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 | ||
| Total votes: 75,208 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia 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[16]:
- December 2, 2024: First day to request an early voting ballot for the primary.
- January 6, 2025: First day for a candidate to file for office.
- February 28, 2025: Deadline to file for Omaha Mayor.
- March 14, 2025: Deadline for voter registration.
- March 17, 2025: Early voting begins.
- March 21, 2025: Deadline for requesting an absentee ballot.
- March 27, 2025: Extended office hours for early voting at the Election Commission office, 6:00 p.m.
- March 29, 2025: Saturday hours for early voting at the Election Commission office, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- March 31, 2025: Deadline for in-person early voting at the election commission office, 5:00 p.m.
- April 1, 2025 : City of Omaha Primary Election Day. Polls open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
- April 8, 2025: Deadline for voters who failed to present valid photo ID at the time of voting to present valid photo ID at the election commission.
- April 10, 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 completed Ballotpedia'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, click here.
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.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Omaha in 2025.
Incumbent: No
Submitted Biography: "Dr. Terry Brewer a Marine Corps Veteran serve as a Pastor of New Covenant COGIC. Work as Chief Union Steward for 20 years, Pastor for 30 years and married for 42 years."
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.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Mayor of Omaha in 2025.
Incumbent: No
Political Office:
- Nebraska State Senator- District 5 (2017-2025)
Biography: McDonnell received his bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Nebraska and his master's in public administration from Bellvue University. He previously worked as a firefighter and as president of the Omaha Firefighters Local 385.
Show sources
Sources: Nebraska Examiner, "First Omaha mayor’s debate shows top candidates jockeying to face Stothert," March 11, 2025; KETV, "'Not about me, it's about we': Mike McDonnell wants to be Omaha's next mayor," March 11, 2025; Mike McDonnell 2025 campaign website, "Homepage," accessed March 13, 2025; LinkedIn, "Mike McDonnell," accessed March 13, 2025
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 completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.
Candidate ads
Jean Stothert
View more ads here:
Terry Brewer
Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Terry Brewer while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.
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, please email us.
Jasmine Harris
Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Jasmine Harris while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.
Mike McDonnell
View more ads here:
Endorsements
Ballotpedia researchers did not identify any candidate websites that provide endorsement information. If you are aware of a website that should be included, please email us.
Election spending
Campaign finance
Candidates in this election submitted campaign finance reports to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. Click here 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, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[17][18][19]
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 found here.
Past elections
2021
See also: Mayoral election in Omaha, Nebraska (2021)
General election
General election for Mayor of Omaha
Incumbent Jean Stothert defeated RJ 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 | ||
| Total votes: 97,327 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia 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 | ||
| Total votes: 84,809 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia 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
Incumbent Jean Stothert defeated Heath Mello in the general election for mayor of Omaha.[20]
| Mayor of Omaha, General Election, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Jean Stothert Incumbent |
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 | ||
Incumbent Jean Stothert and Heath Mello defeated Taylor Royal, Ean Mikale, and Christopher Geary in the primary election for mayor of Omaha.[20]
| Mayor of Omaha, Primary Election, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Jean Stothert Incumbent |
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 Suttle Incumbent | 42.8% | 36,120 | |
| Total Votes | 84,410 | ||
| Source: Douglass County Official Election Results | |||
Mayoral partisanship
Omaha has a Democratic mayor. As of February 2026, 67 mayors in the largest 100 cities by population are affiliated with the Democratic Party, 22 are affiliated with the Republican Party, one is affiliated with the Libertarian 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 in Douglas 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.[21]
Demographics
The following table displays demographic data provided by the United 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 census here. | ||
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 a battleground election. Other 2025 battleground elections included:
- Mayoral election in Albuquerque, New Mexico (November 4, 2025, general election)
- Pennsylvania Supreme Court elections, 2025
- Virginia gubernatorial election, 2025 (June 17 Republican primary)
See also
| Omaha, Nebraska | Nebraska | Municipal government | Other local coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Nebraska Public Media, "Stothert, Ewing poised to face off in Omaha mayoral race," April 1, 2025
- ↑ WOWT, "Election Results," accessed April 2, 2025
- ↑ KETV, "Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert officially files paperwork for re-election," February 20, 2025
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Jean Stothert 2025 campaign website, "Priorities", accessed March 12, 2025
- ↑ WOWT, "Election 2025: Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert to run for fourth term," March 26, 2024
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Omaha World-Herald, "John Ewing Jr. a self-described 'nuts and bolts guy' will run for Omaha mayor," April 4, 2025
- ↑ Nebraska Examiner, "First Omaha mayor’s debate shows top candidates jockeying to face Stothert," March 11, 2025
- ↑ KETV, "'You cannot camp throughout the city': McDonnell explains 'safe zones' in proposal to address homelessness," February 24, 2025
- ↑ Nebraska Examiner, "State Sen. Mike McDonnell’s switch to GOP spurs new push for winner-take-all in Nebraska," April 3, 2024
- ↑ Omaha Streetcar, "Omaha’s streetcar project is underway," accessed March 14, 2025
- ↑ Omaha World-Herald, "Omaha mayoral candidates debate streetcar, housing and homelessness in forum," March 11, 2025
- ↑ WOWT, "Election 2025: Mayoral candidate Mike McDonnell attacks Omaha Streetcar plan," February 26, 2025
- ↑ Nebraska Examiner, "RISE’s Jasmine Harris runs again for Omaha mayor," October 1, 2024
- ↑ 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
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Douglas County Election Commission, "Candidate Information," accessed February 28, 2017
- ↑ City of Omaha, "About our Government," accessed October 22, 2014
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