Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor won a closely watched Democratic primary against Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, with O’Connor leading 54%-46% as votes were tallied. This primary garnered national attention as a reflection of the ideological battle between progressive and center-left factions within the Democratic Party, marking one of the first significant contests leading into the 2024 election cycle.
Gainey, who became Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor in 2021, faced criticism from O’Connor, who accused him of mismanaging city finances and the police department. Gainey defended his record by highlighting reductions in violent crime and improvements in local job growth and credit ratings. The race saw a significant amount of campaign funding, with O’Connor raising more than Gainey, though internal polling suggested a tight contest, with both candidates briefly showing leads.
Housing policy emerged as a crucial issue, with Gainey advocating for inclusionary zoning measures that would require new developments to allocate 10% for affordable housing. O’Connor opposed expanding these policies citywide, contributing to debates over the adequacy of affordable housing units created during Gainey’s tenure.
The mayor’s prior victory over incumbent Bill Peduto in the 2021 primary was part of a broader progressive wave in Allegheny County, which also saw the election of other left-leaning officials such as Rep. Summer Lee. Despite Gainey’s efforts at progressive initiatives, O’Connor’s victory suggests a shift toward a more centrist approach in Pittsburgh’s leadership, reflecting ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party at local and national levels.
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