Ed Gainey to make history as Pittsburgh's first Black mayor

Democratic state Rep. Ed Gainey declared victory Tuesday night while holding a commanding lead in the Pittsburgh mayoral race.

With more than 96% of precincts reporting unofficial results shortly before midnight, Gainey had collected nearly 71% of the votes counted compared to nearly 29% for Republican nominee Tony Moreno.

Gainey, 51, of Lincoln-Lemington, is poised to become Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor and replace outgoing Mayor Bill Peduto, who finished second to Gainey in the Democratic primary in his bid for a third term in the city’s highest office.

Moreno, a former police officer, had finished a distant third in the Democratic primary but collected enough Republican write-in votes to appear on Tuesday’s ballot as the GOP nominee. Moreno, 53, was vying to become to the first Republican nominee elected mayor since the 1930s.

Gainey’s campaign held its election-night party at the Benedum Center in Downtown.

In brief remarks delivered to supporters at the party after 10 p.m., Gainey said, “We can create a city where everybody feels welcome. When we do that, we win as a people.”

Then, while meeting with reporters immediately after that, Gainey said he was declaring victory in the race.

Moreno later gave a concession speech on social media, according to Tribune-Review news partner WPXI.

Congratulations to Mayor-Elect Ed Gainey. I look forward to working with you and your team on a progressive transition for the betterment of all of Pittsburgh. Here’s to the next chapter. Do great things! https://t.co/u811Dt5XlR pic.twitter.com/1E6Bly0j9e

— bill peduto (@billpeduto) November 3, 2021

During his remarks to supporters, Gainey reiterated common platforms discussed throughout his campaign. He promised to make Pittsburgh “a city for all” by focusing on issues such as affordable housing, police reform and diversity.

“Let me tell you why this is beautiful,” he told supporters. “Because you proved that we can have a city for all.”

Earlier at the party, as results started to trickle in, supporters said Gainey’s time had arrived.

“He’s the right move for Pittsburgh right now,” City Councilman Bobby Wilson, a Democrat from Spring Hill neighborhood, said of Gainey.

“He’s shown leadership within his own party at the state level and right after he won (the Democratic primary), he immediately came to everyone,” Wilson added. “He wants to work for everyone. Everyone’s ready to get to work.”

Although some Democratic leaders initially backed Peduto in the primary race, one of those leaders — Councilman Bruce Kraus — said it was time to rally behind Gainey.

“We absolutely believe that tonight he is going to be the next mayor,” he said.