Pittsburgh Gets First Black Mayor in Ed Gainey

History was made in Pittsburgh as voters elected Democrat Ed Gainey the first Black mayor of Pennsylvania’s second-most populous city.

HARRISBURG — In Pittsburgh, Democrat Ed Gainey became the first Black mayor of Pennsylvania’s second-most populous city on Tuesday. The five-term state House member won after being heavily favored against Republican Tony Moreno. 

Shouting to a crowd of cheering supporters, Gainey had a message of unity, saying they were “one city, one Pittsburgh.”

“Look at the image we are showing our children,” Gainey, in a hoarse voice, shouted to the celebrating crowd at the downtown Benedum Center for the Performing Arts. “I want our children to see a city for all of them.”

Gainey expounded on his theme of a unified Pittsburgh on Twitter, writing “Together, we can build a city for all – the safest, most affordable, and most diverse city in America, a city that values the working people who built it, maintain it, and keep it running. We can be a city where everyone can belong and contribute, where everyone has a seat at the table, where no one is left behind or pushed out.”

Legislators from across the state took to social media following Gainey’s victory to offer congratulations.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.