Skip to content

The Path to Pittsburgh’s First Black Mayor

Ed Gainey won the Democratic mayoral primary, likely making history in a city that has ranked poorly for Black livability. 

By
Ed Gainey won the Democratic primary in Pittsburgh, likely making him the city’s first Black mayor. 

Ed Gainey won the Democratic primary in Pittsburgh, likely making him the city’s first Black mayor. 

Photo courtesy of Gainey

The morning of Election Day in Pittsburgh, a driver hollered out the window at mayoral candidate Ed Gainey as he walked out of a Starbucks in Squirrel Hill.

“That’s right,” Gainey yelled back. “This city is ready for change! It starts today!”