In Tuesday’s Democratic primary election, Corey O’Connor defeated incumbent Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, with the campaign focusing on city finances, affordable housing and public safety concerns. O’Connor’s victory virtually guarantees his success in November’s general election, as Pittsburgh hasn’t elected a Republican mayor in about 100 years.The Pittsburgh mayoral contest centred on local administrative issues rather than national Democratic Party divisions. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Larry Krasner secured the Democratic primary for district attorney by emphasising criminal justice reform and positioning himself against Trump’s conservative policies.O’Connor, currently serving as Allegheny County controller and son of a former Pittsburgh mayor, secured the local party’s endorsement over Gainey, who had progressive affiliations.Gainey, Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor and former public housing resident, had defeated Bill Peduto in 2021’s primary. He presented himself as a champion of ordinary citizens and a defender against Trump administration policies.Gainey highlighted the city’s economic strength, claiming credit for maintaining tax rates, while noting he inherited problems from previous administrations and oversaw reduced crime rates.O’Connor criticised Gainey’s leadership, citing financial mismanagement, inadequate affordable housing expansion, and lack of strategy for downtown revival following the COVID-19 pandemic and steel industry decline.He highlighted public safety concerns and operational issues with city vehicles, including snow ploughs and ambulances breaking down at crucial moments.O’Connor received backing from construction industry stakeholders amidst disagreements over Gainey’s housing policies. His campaign, along with allied groups, exceeded Gainey’s spending, despite Gainey’s support from the Working Families Party and SEIU.The union support was split, and housing advocates had criticised Gainey’s initiatives. O’Connor warned of an impending “financial crisis” under Gainey’s leadership, affecting public services and safety.“That financial crisis is going to impact each and every one of us, each and every day,” O’Connor said during a televised May 8 debate. “It’s going to stop our ability to fill in your potholes. It’s going to stop our ability to buy new ambulances and equipment for public safety to keep you safe.”On Tuesday evening, Gainey conceded and described himself as a “mayor of change” who worked towards affordable housing, murder rate reduction, and community engagement.“It wasn’t the popular message, but it was the populist message,” Gainey told KDKA-TV.
