2025 Omaha Mayoral election

[Dusty]

I caught the tail end of the debate last week. Stothert was dropping fact checks left and right. When it was Ewings turn, he always had a long-winded answer to say nothing. No distinct answers to set himself apart.

[HskrFanMike]

The Stothert campaign is clearly concerned they are losing. I caught the tail end of a negative attack ad on Ewing last evening on TV.

And Thursday evening, I heard the weirdest ad on KFAB. I haven't listened more than 30 seconds of KFAB since they lost the radio rights to Husker athletics, but I was concerned about the weather with tornadoes, hailstorms and street flooding while driving home, and didn't think I could trust 1620 to cover it. And as the weather let up, they ran a commerical from the three west Omaha city council reps despite only one of them facing any opposition, paid by their campaigns, but all basically campaigning for Stothert.

I haven't seen any ads for Ewing, which suggests that he hasn't had much of an increase in donations yet.

[PWL73316]

Registered Dem here who is leaning to voting for Ewing but honestly I think both of them would be fine successful mayors. I'm glad it's non-partisan because, let's be honest, Stothert has little in common with the modern Republican party and the issues that motivate their voters. Moderate on immigration enforcement, liberal on LGBT issues, an urbanist, supports a balanced fiscal approach. Doesn't take my idea to tariff South Dakota seriously.

It's probably time for a change and I think Ewing was a very competent manager as Treasurer. He hasn't articulated a big "vision" but then I think Stothert's very developer-buddy-buddy, high-vision hands-off approach has had real costs in lost opportunities and endless delays downtown, Crossroads, etc.

Both have pros and cons but I think they would both be fine mayors. Just thank god McDonnell didn't win.

[Garrett]

Omaha by Design is hosting a forum tonight at Creighton focused on urban planning, policy, and design.

[Garrett]

Watching through the Omaha by Design forum now. Stothert really knows her |expletive|. Specific programs, facts and figures. Ewing basically just says “we need to look at things.”

[Athomsfere]

Ewing for historic 24th street!

Overall I find this election tough. I like where Ewings heart seems to be, but I don't know that he really knows what he is up against here. Like when he talks about "luxury apartments".

I just want a few glimpses at what he thinks he can and will get done.

[nebport5]

You would hope Stothert knows her shat after 12 years.

As far as Ewing’s vagueness, it's off-putting though I wonder if it’s because he’s knows there’s a limit to what he can reasonably promise until he’d be in office and clearly know what he has to work with and/or because things can change in a hurry in spite of one’s good intentions. I think this is often why many politicians end up reneging on campaign promises(narcissistic sociopaths excluded). I think that was the case for Stothert and the restaurant tax. In spite of finally addressing the urban core, there are of course, a number of off-putting qualities with Stothert too. If it were only a case of likability it’s not hard to pick Ewing.


So the question I ask(in terms of major projects) is what are we likely to gain or lose by electing one over the other?


It’s a relief to hear Ewing won’t derail the streetcar but I’d have doubts about him getting another line going especially if he puts it to a vote by our largely transportation ignorant, car-centric electorate. I would however have more faith in Ewing creating decent(well over due) bike infrastructure. I do also believe his statements about being more aggressive with police staffing.

Of the remaining 4 billion of streetcar development not started would any of those projects be in jeopardy under Ewing?

Could Ewing actually have greater success with the Civic site or former U.P. land?

[HskrFanMike]

A thread on Reddit reports that Mayor Stothert's internal polling has her down 8% to John Ewing.

[damonhynes]

A thread on Reddit reports that Mayor Stothert's internal polling has her down 8% to John Ewing.

D00d, it's Reddit. The echo chamber's echo chamber.

[HskrFanMike]

Yeah, it's Reddit.

But in the absence of any other polling... there's that.

[Garrett]

Jean Stothert stands by ad invoking gender and bathrooms while John Ewing demands retraction

This is a little eyebrow raising

[almighty_tuna]

This is a little eyebrow raising

I find it quite disappointing and very unnecessary to the point that I will probably change my vote.

Stothert, who frequently says she is “mayor for all of Omaha,” said she did not think the ad risked turning off some of her supporters. She said she has a good relationship with Omaha’s LGBT community and consulted with members of the city’s LGBT advisory board on its content before putting out the ad.

I'd be interested to hear the perspective from these advisory board members...

[BRoss]

While I voted in the primary to keep McDonnell out, I was conflicted and not sure if I'd vote in the general especially with Stothert's economic record. But after this, I am voting against her. I cannot vote for anyone who push these hateful and extremist views. This type of rhetoric is absolutely not acceptable from a city or any leader.

And yes, while Reddit is an echo chamber. it's nowhere as bad as conservative media.

[Garrett]

Yeah this is severely disappointing, particularly using the city’s LGBT Advisory board as a shield. I’ve seen a Facebook post from one of the members saying that she wasn’t consulted. It definitely reeks of desperation to me if she has to stoop to this, and makes me wonder about the internal polling bit.

[HskrFanMike]

She has stayed away from any devisive socially conservative issues, which effectively neutralizes much potential Democratic and independent opposition.

And now that she's losing, she's embracing those divisive social conservative issues out of desperation to try and secure what she can of her base. There's no other reason to make trans kids in bathrooms and in sports a city issue.

Because it's not.

[ricko]

This is really disgusting. I was leaning toward Stothert, but if she embraces this cr@p, she’s lost my vote. Sad thing is, she doesn’t need to engage in gutter campaign tactics to win. Really stupid move.

[Mr.Nuke]

Sad thing is, she doesn’t need to engage in gutter campaign tactics to win. Really stupid move.

I mean they're obviously is, if you think it is a close race and or you think you might actually be losing at this point to try and drive the MAGA type Republican base turnout, but I agree it is sad. I doubt that reddit post is accurate, but based on the tenor of the campaigns especially late I wouldn't be surprised if there are internals that show a tight race/her slightly behind. There were warning signs in the primary.

[Busguy2010]

I saw that ad today, and although I agree facilities should be defined by male and female, that didn't really seem to be a good point to go after. And it called him "whack". That's unnecessary, and obviously it lost her some votes.

Like I said earlier, I don't feel super motivated to vote. If I do, it'll be based on Stothert's track record over 12 years. If she wants to keep doing it, I don't want to lose that stability, in turn for not knowing what we'd get. Don't forget he campaigned not in favor of the streetcar.

On the other hand, I wouldnt be real butthurt if she lost.

[nativeomahan]

Jean Stothert stands by ad invoking gender and bathrooms while John Ewing demands retraction

This is a little eyebrow raising

This ad is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. While both sides have sadly gone negative, with frankly childish and disingenuous TV ads, the Stothert ad about bathrooms is just too much for me to swallow. As it stands now our household is now two votes for Ewing.

[nebport5]

I suppose seeing as many Ewing signs in West O(if not more) may have contributed to this foolish panic. Someone thought this would be a good move to solidify the GOP base and completely ignored turning off cross-over voters. This is akin to McDonnell calling her homeless coordinator a DEI hire.

Unfortunately, If you’re a streetcar advocate voting for Ewing will likely equal the end of the line.

[MetcalfeHarrison]

I suppose seeing as many Ewing signs in West O(if not more) may have contributed to this foolish panic. Someone thought this would be a good move to solidify the GOP base and completely ignored turning off cross-over voters. This is akin to McDonnell calling her homeless coordinator a DEI hire.

Unfortunately, If you’re a streetcar advocate voting for Ewing will likely equal the end of the line.

I don't think Ewing is going to cancel the streetcar, he's been pretty clear that it's too late to stop it at this point.

[nebport5]

I suppose seeing as many Ewing signs in West O(if not more) may have contributed to this foolish panic. Someone thought this would be a good move to solidify the GOP base and completely ignored turning off cross-over voters. This is akin to McDonnell calling her homeless coordinator a DEI hire.

Unfortunately, If you’re a streetcar advocate voting for Ewing will likely equal the end of the line.

I don't think Ewing is going to cancel the streetcar, he's been pretty clear that it's too late to stop it at this point.

I didn’t mean cancel it, but the potential for expansion(even if he's in favor of such) won’t bode well putting it to a public vote.

[damonhynes]

Ewing's ad showing Musk/chainsaw, then the voiceover harping about "Chaos"...objection, facts not in evidence. He doubles down by tossing in a random bit of video of Stothert next to one of President Trump sans context.

I bet the sales reps at 6 and 7 are laughing their adzes off and counting their commissions.

[skinzfan23]

I didn’t mean cancel it, but the potential for expansion(even if he's in favor of such) won’t bode well putting it to a public vote.

Maybe if the city can prove, like KC did, that there are major benefits to the streetcar, it might change the general public's perception.

[nebport5]

I didn’t mean cancel it, but the potential for expansion(even if he's in favor of such) won’t bode well putting it to a public vote.

Maybe if the city can prove, like KC did, that there are major benefits to the streetcar, it might change the general public's perception.

Hopefully, but I think the key would be convincing the people outside the initial line that it’s more than a tourist novelty. A second line north/south line I think would go further towards that end.

[Greg S]

I didn’t mean cancel it, but the potential for expansion(even if he's in favor of such) won’t bode well putting it to a public vote.

Maybe if the city can prove, like KC did, that there are major benefits to the streetcar, it might change the general public's perception.

Possibly but if the mayor isn't out front as a proponent and I just don't see him getting firmly behind expanding it. And I really think it can be expanded successfully. I would love to see it make it to UNO, Crossroads and Ak Sar Ben at least. A north south from the zoo to the airport should at least be studied (obviously it would need to show it would lead to enough development to justify the cost, there is some debate that could be the case if you listen to the transportation expert Grow Omaha brings on from time to time).

[OmahaRedWing]

I think polling numbers must be indicating Ewing with a lead.

I will be honest, I don't see it as a good thing. Stothert has been I believe fantastic for Omaha. Despite her party affiliation she's done so much good for urban Omaha, looking at 72nd east. Along with a focus on public transportation and not just the street car. ORBT as an example.

I heard some clips from a Ewing appearance and it wasn't good. He clearly doesn't speak like someone that will stop the street car but I don't see any expansion under him at all. He also spoke against TIF. When asked about future development without it, he spoke of other things to use but literally gave not even a single example of an alternative. Didn't seem to have a strong grasp.

[nebport5]

I didn’t mean cancel it, but the potential for expansion(even if he's in favor of such) won’t bode well putting it to a public vote.

Maybe if the city can prove, like KC did, that there are major benefits to the streetcar, it might change the general public's perception.

Possibly but if the mayor is out front as a proponent then I just don't see him getting firmly behind expanding it. And I really think it can be expanded successfully. I would love to see it make it to UNO, Crossroads and Ak Sar Ben at least. A north south from the zoo to the airport should at least be studied (obviously it would need to show it would lead to enough development to justify the cost, there is some debate that could be the case if you listen to the transportation expert Grow Omaha brings on from time to time).

Did you mean opponent?

UNMC to UNO/Aksarben would be great extension. Getting to Crossroads would be trickier. The airport route comes largely from Stothert seeking federal grant money(good luck with the current administration). In that scenario, would Iowa be able to apply for the grant money too if it went through Carter Lake? If the Inland Port takes off and development could be created between there and 11th to 10th/CHI Center that would be ideal with limited stops north from CHI. The Union Stadium coming to fruition on the UP land that would help make a stronger case for an airport route too.

[Greg S]

I didn’t mean cancel it, but the potential for expansion(even if he's in favor of such) won’t bode well putting it to a public vote.

Maybe if the city can prove, like KC did, that there are major benefits to the streetcar, it might change the general public's perception.

Possibly but if the mayor is out front as a proponent then I just don't see him getting firmly behind expanding it. And I really think it can be expanded successfully. I would love to see it make it to UNO, Crossroads and Ak Sar Ben at least. A north south from the zoo to the airport should at least be studied (obviously it would need to show it would lead to enough development to justify the cost, there is some debate that could be the case if you listen to the transportation expert Grow Omaha brings on from time to time).

Did you mean opponent?

UNMC to UNO/Aksarben would be great extension. Getting to Crossroads would be trickier. The airport route comes largely from Stothert seeking federal grant money(good luck with the current administration). In that scenario, would Iowa be able to apply for the grant money too if it went through Carter Lake? If the Inland Port takes off and development could be created between there and 11th to 10th/CHI Center that would be ideal with limited stops north from CHI. The Union Stadium coming to fruition on the UP land that would help make a stronger case for an airport route too.

Sorry I meant isn't. KC's mayor has been a strong proponent. I updated my original post.

[Linkin5]

What a massive unforced error by Stothert here. Bringing culture war politics into a mayoral election seems about the most counterproductive thing you could do. I was hoping she’d win but at this point I’d be fine with Ewing stepping in.

[HskrFanMike]

Ewing is in favor of the streetcar, just not how Stothert has tried to shepherd it.

https://omaha.com/news/local/government ... 1a0f0.html

Ewing has no plans to stop the streetcar but, like McDonnell, criticizes Stothert for not taking the project to a vote and “forcing it down people’s throats.” He says as mayor, he will seek to have all development in the city driven by public input, not whatever developers want.

Ewing also talks about extending the streetcar to the airport and into North and South Omaha — extensions that would cost hundreds of millions more.

Stothert said Ewing’s streetcar criticism again shows his lack of knowledge of the issues.

She said the streetcar currently stops short of Schwab because the ballpark would be part of a future northern route taking the streetcar all the way to the airport. In fact, she said, she’s already applied for and received a federal grant to begin planning for the route.

Not sure what Mean Jean is talking about there because she doesn't explain why the northern route is separate. Though she adds this:

She defends her decision not to put the streetcar up to a public vote. When she previously spoke of a vote, she said it was based on the assumption increased taxes would be needed to build it.

In the end, she was presented a plan to pay for it with TIF, essentially using some of the would-be new tax dollars generated by new commercial development along the streetcar line to fund construction. With TIF, the city didn’t need to issue the general tax fund obligation bonds that require voter approval.

So she could make the streetcar between UNMC and downtown work by using TIF (mostly from the MoO tower project, I suspect), which eliminated the need for her to convince critics of the benefits of the project.

I don't see anything from Stothert to suggest that Ewing doesn't understand the issues.

But I do see an interest in building onto the streetcar from Ewing, which should satisfy critics on this forum.

[nebport5]

Ewing is in favor of the streetcar, just not how Stothert has tried to shepherd it.

https://omaha.com/news/local/government ... 1a0f0.html

Ewing has no plans to stop the streetcar but, like McDonnell, criticizes Stothert for not taking the project to a vote and “forcing it down people’s throats.” He says as mayor, he will seek to have all development in the city driven by public input, not whatever developers want.

Ewing also talks about extending the streetcar to the airport and into North and South Omaha — extensions that would cost hundreds of millions more.

Stothert said Ewing’s streetcar criticism again shows his lack of knowledge of the issues.

She said the streetcar currently stops short of Schwab because the ballpark would be part of a future northern route taking the streetcar all the way to the airport. In fact, she said, she’s already applied for and received a federal grant to begin planning for the route.

Not sure what Mean Jean is talking about there because she doesn't explain why the northern route is separate. Though she adds this:

She defends her decision not to put the streetcar up to a public vote. When she previously spoke of a vote, she said it was based on the assumption increased taxes would be needed to build it.

In the end, she was presented a plan to pay for it with TIF, essentially using some of the would-be new tax dollars generated by new commercial development along the streetcar line to fund construction. With TIF, the city didn’t need to issue the general tax fund obligation bonds that require voter approval.

So she could make the streetcar between UNMC and downtown work by using TIF (mostly from the MoO tower project, I suspect), which eliminated the need for her to convince critics of the benefits of the project.

I don't see anything from Stothert to suggest that Ewing doesn't understand the issues.

But I do see an interest in building onto the streetcar from Ewing, which should satisfy critics on this forum.

She previously mentioned a study on the best route north to get to the airport. Remember former Senator Justin Wayne was advocating for a 19th St route vs from CHI to the airport.

And yes, Ewing has said all that regarding being a proponent…but I don’t like the odds of an expansion relying on the overwhelmingly car-centric electorate to vote for it.

[Dusty]

She previously mentioned a study on the best route north to get to the airport. Remember former Senator Justin Wayne was advocating for a 19th St route vs from CHI to the airport.

I'm advocating against both these routes to the airport. We will see if I can change their minds. LOL!

[skip]

I didn’t mean cancel it, but the potential for expansion(even if he's in favor of such) won’t bode well putting it to a public vote.

Maybe if the city can prove, like KC did, that there are major benefits to the streetcar, it might change the general public's perception.

Hopefully, but I think the key would be convincing the people outside the initial line that it’s more than a tourist novelty. A second line north/south line I think would go further towards that end.

All you need is Ewing on board. City will follow.

[nebport5]

'Focus on the basics': John Ewing Jr. outlines plan if elected Omaha's mayor

Ewing is committed to seeing the Omaha Streetcar through to completion, but wants to take a deep look at the route.

"To get the route to actually go to places that people want to go to," Ewing said. "Charles Schwab Field, the airport, potentially the Old Market, potentially the zoo. link to 24th Street in North and South Omaha, those type of things."

Okay, so not radically different here, except running along Harney doesn’t qualify for getting to the O.M.? And I guess nobody wants to go anywhere on the current line, like Blackstone, The Rose, The Orpheum, The Holland Center, The Riverfront Parks, CHI, etc.

[Garrett]

'Focus on the basics': John Ewing Jr. outlines plan if elected Omaha's mayor

Ewing is committed to seeing the Omaha Streetcar through to completion, but wants to take a deep look at the route.

"To get the route to actually go to places that people want to go to," Ewing said. "Charles Schwab Field, the airport, potentially the Old Market, potentially the zoo. link to 24th Street in North and South Omaha, those type of things."

Okay, so not radically different here, except running along Harney doesn’t qualify for getting to the O.M.? And I guess nobody wants to go anywhere on the current line, like Blackstone, The Rose, The Orpheum, The Holland Center, The Riverfront Parks, CHI, etc.

Sounds like we need about 3 more routes with that plan.

[WorldStreet]

I voted at 11:30 at Hanscom Park. There were six election workers, and I was the only voter.

[ita]

'Focus on the basics': John Ewing Jr. outlines plan if elected Omaha's mayor

Ewing is committed to seeing the Omaha Streetcar through to completion, but wants to take a deep look at the route.

"To get the route to actually go to places that people want to go to," Ewing said. "Charles Schwab Field, the airport, potentially the Old Market, potentially the zoo. link to 24th Street in North and South Omaha, those type of things."

Okay, so not radically different here, except running along Harney doesn’t qualify for getting to the O.M.? And I guess nobody wants to go anywhere on the current line, like Blackstone, The Rose, The Orpheum, The Holland Center, The Riverfront Parks, CHI, etc.

Sounds like we need about 3 more routes with that plan.

Sounds like Ewing wants more streetcar, not less. Nice.

[Mr.Nuke]

Just posting this in reference to early results tonight.

[Garrett]

Just posting this in reference to early results tonight.

Nice catch! This definitely looks like it’ll be a more interesting night than I was predicting a month ago. Here’s hoping whatever happens is what’s best for the city.