In a political upset, Corey O’Connor defeated incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey in Pittsburgh’s Democratic primary, signaling a shift from progressive leadership to establishment-backed priorities.

Establishment Democrat Wins Over Progressive Mayor

Corey O’Connor, son of the late former Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O’Connor, won the Democratic primary for mayor on Tuesday, unseating incumbent Ed Gainey in a rare competitive race. Gainey, elected in 2021 as Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor, was seen as a progressive figurehead, but faced growing resistance from within his own party.

O’Connor secured support from both “old guard” Democrats and some Republican donors, positioning himself as a unifying force with a platform focused on public safety and economic revitalization. “This is an election about Pittsburgh, about how we get our city back on the right track,” O’Connor said, rejecting progressive labels and outside influence in the race.

The campaign saw a financial advantage shift toward O’Connor early on. By April, he had outraised and outspent Gainey, receiving major contributions from outside groups including Common Sense Change Action and Democracy Wins. His campaign also emphasized support for police funding and proposed plans to rejuvenate the city’s downtown core.

Progressive Record, Strong Partnerships, But Shortfall at the Polls

Gainey’s administration had prioritized affordable housing, securing 1,600 new units, and championed downtown redevelopment with $600 million in funding through collaboration with Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro. His tenure also coincided with a period of population growth that saw Pittsburgh rise to the top in statewide rankings.

Nationally, Gainey positioned himself as a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, particularly on immigration and economic policy. He denounced federal ICE operations, stating they instilled fear without solving systemic immigration issues. “ICE is not going to end the situation of a failed immigration policy,” he said, adding that it erodes community trust and safety.

However, this stance drew criticism from Republican U.S. Senator David McCormick, who urged Gainey to “follow the law” and align with Democratic mayors focused on public safety. The incumbent also faced scrutiny for his response strategies, which emphasized community policing and mental health support in law enforcement efforts.

Despite rallying behind a message of inclusivity and collective progress, Gainey’s campaign fell short against O’Connor’s appeal to traditional Democratic voters. “Thanks to our people-powered movement, our campaign has all of the momentum in this race,” Gainey had stated before the vote, stressing unity across race, class, and age. Yet, the momentum was not enough to withstand a shifting political tide.

On the Republican front, former police detective Tony Moreno is again seeking the mayoral nomination, facing opposition from local businessman Thomas West. Moreno previously ran against Gainey and is expected to campaign on a strong law-and-order platform.

Elsewhere in Pennsylvania, similar dynamics are unfolding. In Philadelphia, District Attorney Larry Krasner retained his nomination despite controversy, and in Allentown, progressive Mayor Matt Tuerk faces a primary challenge from Councilman Ed Zucal, representing the “old guard” faction.

The results in Pittsburgh underscore growing tensions within the Democratic Party between progressive leadership and establishment figures, with voters signaling a recalibration of priorities heading into the general election.