The 2025 Pittsburgh mayoral election was held on November 4, 2025, with a primary election held on May 20, 2025. Incumbent Democratic mayor Ed Gainey ran for re-election to a second term as mayor but lost in the Democratic primary to challenger Corey O'Connor, who subsequently won the general election.
Background Due to the Democratic Party's dominance in Pittsburgh, with no Republican elected mayor since 1929, the Democratic primary has long been the main ideological contest in municipal politics. In 2021, Ed Gainey, a progressive, comfortably defeated moderate incumbent Bill Peduto in the primary and went on to win 70.8% of the vote against Republican Tony Moreno in the general election. Gainey's mayoralty, however, proved controversial. His administration was criticized for its handling of the city budget and crime and for its position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the context of the Gaza War; Pittsburgh has a substantial and politically engaged Jewish population, while Gainey was perceived as pro-Palestinian. As such, Gainey was seen as vulnerable to a primary challenge from moderate city councilman Corey O'Connor. Due, again, to Pittsburgh's heavily Democratic lean, O'Connor was favored to win the general election if he triumphed in the primary.
Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Corey O'Connor, Allegheny County Controller (2022–present), former Pittsburgh city councilor (2012–2022), and son of former mayor Bob O'Connor
Defeated in primary Ed Gainey, incumbent mayor
Endorsements
Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin EdGainey CoreyO'Connor UndecidedUpswing Research & Strategy (D)March 2025402 (LV)± 4.2%49%42%9%Lake Research Partners (D)March 2025500 (LV)–32%50%18%Lake Research Partners (D)February 6–11, 2025500 (LV)–35%47%16%
Results
Republican primary Candidates Nominee Tony Moreno, retired police officer and nominee for mayor in 2021
Defeated in primary Thomas West, clothing store owner
Results
General election Results
Notes
Partisan clients
References
External links Official campaign websites Tony Moreno (R) for Mayor Corey O’Connor (D) for Mayor