In Omaha, Jean Stothert, the Republican mayor, was anticipated to maintain her position in a reelection campaign for one of the GOP’s significant urban areas. Despite her strong performance in 2021, where she secured nearly two-thirds of the vote, and her well-funded 2025 campaign, Stothert faced challenges. The political climate was influenced by President Donald Trump’s extremism and Elon Musk’s actions, which had tarnished the Republican image. Evidence showed that Democrats were highly motivated to vote, and John W. Ewing Jr., the Democratic candidate, was gaining traction, prompting Stothert to adopt anti-LGBTQ+ strategies.
Stothert’s campaign utilized what Nebraska state Senator Megan Hunt described as “trans hate and discrimination.” A final TV advertisement accused Ewing of supporting policies allowing “boys in girls’ sports,” and a mailing falsely suggested he supported transitioning minors without parental consent.
However, this approach failed as Ewing achieved a notable victory, winning 56-44 and becoming Omaha’s first Black mayor. This result highlighted the limitations of using discriminatory tactics in elections. Senator Hunt noted the significance of this win as a move against trans hate, asserting that the public is focused on future-oriented policies.
The Omaha election challenged the GOP strategy of leveraging anti-trans rhetoric, commonly used in campaigns nationwide. Stothert emphasized these issues, claiming involvement in public facility regulations, while Ewing dismissed these as fabricated concerns by Stothert and her party.
Ewing, a retired deputy police chief and a Democratic leader, campaigned actively within the LGBTQ+ community. He was supported by the Nebraska Democratic Party, which countered Republican attacks by focusing on economic issues like infrastructure and housing.
A compelling narrative emerged, contrasting Ewing’s focus on local issues with Stothert’s cultural war approach. Ewing’s success in a typically Republican district signaled broader Democratic gains nationwide. The Democratic message, which portrayed Stothert as being out of touch, was underscored by digital media strategies that resonated with voters.
DNC Chair Ken Martin noted the widespread Democratic success in 2025, putting Republican incumbents such as Representative Don Bacon on alert. Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democrats, emphasized the effectiveness of their campaign strategy, which appealed to voters’ core concerns, overshadowing GOP opposition strategies.
