2025 Omaha City Elections
- Strongly Worded Letters
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Tuesday, April 1 is Primary Day for Omahans interested in voting in our municipal election. Many people are used to voting in federal elections, but less familiar with how local elections work and what seats are on the ballot.
Here's the tl;dr—all seven city council seats and the mayor are up for election. These local officials make decisions that affect every aspect of our communities, from roads to parks to law enforcement, and more. In local elections like these, your vote has much more power, and you have more direct access to candidates and officials. Let's get into it!
Disclaimer: Any and all election-related opinions and endorsements are solely those of the Strongly Worded Letters team and are not representative of our employers or other affiliated organizations. We’re speaking as private citizens in our independent capacity.
Quick Links:
🔗 Find a drop box for your mail-in ballot. Note: It’s now too late to put your primary election ballot in the mail and have it delivered on time, so drop box is recommended.
Omaha Mayor: Candidates
Jasmine Harris (D)
Jasmine Harris (D) is the director of the nonprofit RISE, an organization dedicated to reentry assistance for incarcerated Nebraskans. She states that her top issues are affordable housing, public safety, community connection, and economic development.
She hopes to expand transit options, fund support for mental health and substance abuse programs, and support tenants’ rights organizations.
Strongly Worded Letters is proud to endorse Jasmine Harris. 🎉
Jean Stothert (R)
Jean Stothert, incumbent, is running for a fourth consecutive term in office. Her stated priorities are public safety, responsible fiscal management, economic development, and creating opportunities for Omahans.
She hopes to continue building momentum for Omaha to be a premier destination for events and tourism, reduce Omaha’s property tax levy, and reduce crime rates. Mayor Stothert has been criticized often for being an “armchair mayor,” and often not being available to address local crises or important topics.
She is credited with the development of the Omaha streetcar, and both the demolition of the old downtown library and the construction of the new central library on 72 and Dodge streets.
John Ewing (D)
John Ewing is the former Deputy Chief of the Omaha Police Department and former Douglas County Treasurer. His priorities include public safety, economic development, addressing the housing crisis, retaining young people, and improving Omaha’s reputation.
If elected mayor, he hopes to increase Omaha’s stock of high-density affordable housing, improve Omaha’s streets, recruit more officers to the Omaha Police Department, and increase transparency and accountability in our local government.
Mike McDonnell (R)
Mike McDonnell is a former Omaha fire chief and Democratic state senator. Notably, he changed his party affiliation after being censured by Democrats for his voting record on bills concerning abortion access and transgender issues.
His stated policy priorities include public safety, improved streets, and strong neighborhoods. He hopes to reduce traffic accidents, recruit firefighters and police officers, and stop the construction of the streetcar project.
Dr. TL Brewer (independent)
Dr. Brewer is a pastor and writer living in North Omaha. His campaign priorities include economic growth, a focus on infrastructure like safe streets and clean water, increased access to mental health services, and inclusion and equity programs.
He hopes to enforce fair housing laws, create a “Mayor’s Office of Equity,” add over 100 new officers to the Omaha Police Department, and incentivize businesses to raise wages.
Omaha City Council
All seven Omaha council seats are up for election this year. Don’t know what district you live in? Find out here!
All seven sitting council members have filed for re-election, but there are also new faces in this year’s races.
Our city council is responsible for approving the city budget and proposing amendments, approving liquor licenses, handling constituent concerns on neighborhood issues, approving city infrastructure projects, and more.
To learn more about local races, including city council seats, check out this guide from Flatwater Free Press.
*This mini election guide sourced information from the Flatwater Free Press Nebraska Voter Guide, candidate websites, and the Douglas County Election Commission website.
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