The three-term Republican mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, lost her bid for a fourth term to her Democrat opponent Tuesday night in an unexpected upset that could make the state more of a battleground in future elections.

John Ewing Jr. had a long history in local politics, having served as Omaha's Deputy Chief of Police and more recently, Douglas County Treasurer.

Ewing will be the first Black mayor of Omaha, unseating Jean Stothert, the first woman mayor.

"Tonight, we embark on a new chapter," Ewing told supporters, according to the Nebraska Examiner. "Together we will build an Omaha that offers opportunity for the 'good life' — to everyone."

"Proud, grateful and hopeful"

In her concession speech, Stothert said, "Tonight, I'm very proud, grateful and hopeful. Proud of 12 years of success. I'm grateful for your support, your friendship and your trust. And I'm hopeful that the momentum we have created will continue."

Jim Pillen, the Republican Governor of Nebraska, added: "Elections matter. Leadership matters. Conservative leadership matters. I hope that all of us can take a bite into that apple and make sure we don't forget, and make sure that we play a role."

Democrats celebrated the win and predicted more Democrat success in upcoming elections.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said, "From coast to coast, from blue to purple to even red states, Democrats are overwhelmingly outperforming Republicans in nearly every election held this year — as voters condemn Republicans' plot to attack Social Security and health care while hiking prices on working families every chance they get."

Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said, "As a public servant for 43 years, Mayor-elect Ewing's commitment to the people of the great state of Nebraska speaks for itself, and I have no doubt that Omaha's future is bright under his leadership."

She added, "My fellow Nebraskans: We made historic progress tonight, and tomorrow, the hard work continues on as we look to 2026. Democrats are here to do the work for the people."

Move to the left

The race indicated a move to the left for Omaha, and might be a harbinger of a broader shift away from the party in power for the 2026 midterms.

Omaha is Nebraska's "blue dot" in a mostly red state, making it the most likely part of the state for a Democrat to be elected.

The district went to President Donald Trump in 2016, but he lost it in 2020 and 2024.

There seems to be a downward trend in Republican approval recently, but it's very early to speculate about how the midterms will go.