Congrats, Mayor John Ewing! A Triumph Rooted in Truth, Service
By Josefina Loza
I stand in awe and celebration of a man whose integrity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his community have propelled him into history. Congratulations, John Ewing, Omaha’s first elected Black mayor.
From your humble beginnings in North Omaha to your historic win on May 13th, 2025, your journey has been nothing short of inspiring. With your beloved wife Viv by your side, you pumped your fist in triumph as chants of “Ewing, Ewing” filled the Hilton Omaha ballroom. It was a defining moment for our city.
Can we pause right here?
Because I want to point out the obvious that you didn’t just win an election, but you earned every vote through decades of honest public service and steadfast leadership. That’s right. For nearly 20 years as Douglas County Treasurer and a former deputy police chief, you’ve always led with truth, humility, and purpose. And now, the people have spoken. They’ve chosen a leader who will prioritize basic city services, transparency, affordable housing, and equitable opportunity for all.
Your victory was more than political, it was personal. It was profound. And it was historic.
You defied the odds, defeating a three-term incumbent and flipping a mayoral seat that hadn’t gone blue in over a decade.
You reminded us all that progress is possible when we lead with courage and conviction, similar to the superhero you’ve always represented.
From the early morning pump-up social messages to every handshake and posed photo, it’s clear you’ve put in the work. You’ve truly tried to connect with and represent the people. Your dedication, sincerity, and heart for service shine through in all you do.
What strikes me most is how grounded you remain.
You once said you weren’t sure you believed it when North Omaha pastors told you 13 years ago that you’d become mayor. But they spoke it into existence, and you leaned into that vision with grace.
This win is also a reflection of the hopes and dreams of our youth.
Your brother, Eric Ewing, himself a guardian of Black history as executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, said it best in an Omaha World-Herald interview: “It lets younger kids who may come from similar backgrounds know that there is hope.”
You carry the torch passed from leaders like Brenda Council and Fred Conley. AND you do it with dignity. You’ve built your legacy brick by brick, from the courtroom to the community, from policy to pavement.
I am so incredibly proud of you for the man you are. A devoted husband, a community pillar, and a man of deep integrity. This city is blessed to have you at the helm.
Thank you for showing Omaha that leadership rooted in love, truth, and service still prevails. We cannot wait to see the future you will help us shape.