Podcast: Previewing the Pittsburgh mayoral race

Zachary Gibson
Friday, May 16, 2025 1:01 p.m. | Friday, May 16, 2025 1:01 p.m.

Go Ad-Free Today!

TribLive

Massoud Hossaini | TribLive

Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor speaks during a press conference on Dec. 10, 2024, as he officially announces his candidacy for Pittsburgh mayor.

Kristina Serafini | TribLive

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey speaks to TribLive ahead of the primary election inside Emerald City co-working and event space in Downtown Pittsburgh on March 14, 2025.

Shane Dunlap | TribLive

Pittsburgh mayoral candidate Tony Moreno speaks during an interview with TribLive on March 31, 2025 in Avalon.

Massoud Hossaini | TribLive

Thomas West, a Republican candidate for Pittsburgh mayor, speaks during an interview at Friendship Perk and Brew in Pittsburgh on April 4, 2025.

The Pittsburgh mayoral primary next week on May 20 features competitive races on both side for the Democrat and Republican candidates.

In the Democratic primary, incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey is seeking a second term but faces a challenge from Corey O’Connor, the Allegheny County Controller and a well-known figure in city politics.

On the Republican side, Tony Moreno, a retired police officer who ran as a Democrat in 2021, is running again — this time against newcomer Thomas West, a businessman with a background in community development.

TribLive reporter Julia Burdelski, who covers the Pittsburgh’s political scene, is here to help unpack the key players, pressing issues, and potential outcomes in this high-profile election.

This is “From the Newsroom.”