Ed Gainey Becomes Pittsburgh’s First Black Mayor!

Democrat Ed Gainey has just made history!

On Tuesday night, the member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives claimed victory in the 2021 Pittsburgh mayoral election — making him the first Black mayor of the city.

At the time, 67.66 percent of precincts were reporting with 38,151 votes for Gainey and 15,207 votes for Republican candidate Tony Moreno — who conceded shortly after.

In a speech to his supporters, the 51-year-old politician — who was born and raised in Pittsburgh — said, “Look at the image that we are showing our children. I want our children to see what a city for all looks like. I want our children to see that we don’t separate by divided lines, but we as one community, we as one city are here for them.”

He continued, “This is our city. This is our time.”

Following his win, incumbent Democratic Mayor Bill Peduto — who ran for re-election to serve a third term in office, but lost renomination to Gainey — congratulated his successor on social media.

“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!” Peduto tweeted.

Prior to serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Gainey spent six years as a legislative aide to Pennsylvania State Representative Joseph Preston Jr. and in 2010, became chairman of the city’s Democratic Party committee.