Pittsburgh Mayoral Race: Gainey Ousts Peduto In Primary Race

PITTSBURGH, PA — In a historic moment, state Rep. Ed Gainey thwarted Mayor Bill Peduto's attempt at a third term Tuesday by defeating him and two others in the Democratic primary. Gainey's victory likely means he will be the city's first Black mayor.

“I just called @gainey_ed and congratulated him on earning the Democratic endorsement for Mayor of the city of Pittsburgh. Wishing him well," Peduto said via Twitter. "Thank you Pittsburgh for the honor of being your Mayor these past 8"years. I will remain forever grateful."

Gainey is virtually assured of election in November. There were no Republican candidates on the ballot and the city has not had a Republican mayor since the 1930s.

Gainey, 51, of Lincoln-Lemington, has represented the 24th Legislative District since 2013. The district includes his neighborhood as well as Homewood,East Liberty, East Hills and
Wilkinsburg, which is just outside the city border.

Gainey is a former aide to Joe Preston, his predecessor as the district's representative. He also worked for the city in a community and economic development position.

Gainey garnered a number of impressive endorsements, including the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, an endorsement Peduto did not seek. Gainey also was endorsed by organizations such as the Alliance for Police Accountability PAC, Center for Popular Democracy,
Western PA Black Political Assembly, the 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, Young Democrats of Allegheny County and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66.

Peduto, 56, has been mayor since 2014. Prior to that, he served on city council since 2002. He was elected in 2013 after two previous failed attempts to win the mayoral race.