Ed Gainey Elected Pittsburgh's First Black Mayor

PITTSBURGH, PA — In a historic moment for Pittsburgh, Ed Gainey on Tuesday was elected the city's first Black mayor. Gainey, a state representative from the city's Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood, rolled to an easy victory over Republican candidate Tony Moreno.

With 94 percent of the results in, Gainey had 48,174 votes to Moreno's 19,524, according to the Allegheny County elections division. All results are unofficial.

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With an early and commanding lead, Gainey declared victory at the Benedum Center, Downtown, where supporters had gathered to witness his triumphant moment.

“You proved that we can have a city for all. You proved that everybody can change," Gainey said. "We know people have talked about Pittsburgh, how siloed it is, how segregated it is. Today, you changed that."

Gainey had been on a clear course to victory since May. His only obstacle at the polls was Moreno, 52, a retired city policeman who ran on the Republican ticket after finishing a distant third in the primary behind Gainey and current Mayor Bill Peduto.

Gainey's primary victory made him the prohibitive favorite, as Democrats have an overwhelming 5-1 registration edge in the city. Pittsburgh's last Republican mayor, John S. Herron, left office in 1934.

The Collective PAC, the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political engagement and representation in government, delivered a congratulatory message to Gainey Tuesday night.

Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:

“The Collective PAC is excited to congratulate Representative Ed Gainey on his historic mayoral victory in Pittsburgh as he becomes the city’s first Black mayor. Mayor-elect Gainey is an advocate for social justice, public safety, expanding economic opportunities and accessibility to healthcare. A catalyst for change and progress, Mayor-elect Gainey will continue to champion the needs of all Pittsburgh residents and The Collective PAC is proud to support his vision and work as he enters into this new leadership role.”

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