O’Connor Leads Early in Pittsburgh Mayoral Race

Corey O’Connor has claimed a strong early advantage in the Pittsburgh mayoral race against Republican Tony Moreno. O’Connor, a Democrat, garnered more than 90% of the mail-in and absentee votes, while Moreno received just under 8%. These figures come from unofficial election results announced on Tuesday.

Election Results and Immediate Reactions

The Associated Press declared O’Connor the winner shortly after 8:30 p.m., just half an hour after polls closed. This early call was made even before the counting of in-person ballots began. The announcement ignited celebrations among approximately 300 of O’Connor’s supporters at a gathering at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union hall in the South Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

Candidates’ Backgrounds

• Corey O’Connor: 41 years old, residing in Point Breeze, and currently serves as Allegheny County’s controller. He previously held a position as a city councilman and is the son of the late Mayor Bob O’Connor.
• Tony Moreno: 57 years old, from Brighton Heights, and a retired city police officer. He had previously run for mayor as a Democrat in 2021 but finished third in the primary.

Campaign Promises and Platforms

O’Connor emphasized the need for fresh leadership in Pittsburgh. He plans to address the city’s financial challenges by controlling spending and engaging large nonprofits to contribute to essential services, such as new ambulances. His campaign focuses on economic growth and making Pittsburgh a desirable location for families.

In addition, O’Connor aims to prioritize the hiring of a permanent police chief after a period of instability with five different chiefs under the outgoing mayor, Ed Gainey.

Conversely, Moreno positioned himself as a disruptor, advocating for a new approach to city governance after years of Democratic leadership. His platform includes expanding the police force, reducing expenditures, and addressing homelessness through stricter measures against encampments.

Political Landscape and Fundraising

Pittsburgh’s political environment heavily favors Democrats, leading analysts to consider O’Connor the frontrunner. His fundraising efforts have also surpassed those of Moreno significantly. As reported in the most recent campaign finance filings on October 20, O’Connor raised over $531,000, compared to Moreno’s approximate $5,000.

As the election progresses, both candidates will continue to articulate their visions for the city, shaping the future of Pittsburgh governance.