Peduto Facing Three Challengers In Pittsburgh Mayoral Race

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto is attempting to win a third term in office, but state Rep. Ed Gainey , retired city police officer Tom Moreno and college math tutor Michael Thompson are attempting to thwart that effort. They are running against Peduto in the May 18 primary, the de facto mayoral election in a city that hasn't had a Republican mayor since the 1930s.

Peduto, 56, has been mayor since 2014. Prior to that, he has served on city council since 2002. He was elected in 2013 after two previous failed attempts to win the mayoral race.

Peduto scored a major coup in his re-election bid with the recent announcement that four of the city's largest nonprofits have agreed to contribute $115 million over five years to a new nonprofit organization called OnePGH. The city-affiliated agency's efforts will focus on expanding affordable housing, health care, recreation and education.

The four nonprofits are UPMC, Highmark, the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

Gainey stated in a social media post that he is running for mayor because "I know that the working people of Pittsburgh need opportunities for good union jobs with a living wage and benefits, affordable housing, genuine public safety and a city where we can all belong and contribute. "We can uplift the city of Pittsburgh for everyone if we start with those who have been left behind."

Gainey has garnered a number of impressive endorsements, including the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, an endorsement Peduto did not seek. Gainey also has been endorsed by organizations such as the Alliance for Police Accountability PAC, Center for Popular Democracy, Western PA Black Political Assembly, the 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, Steel City Stonewall Democrats, Young Democrats of Allegheny County and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66.

Gainey, 51, of Lincoln-Lemington, has represented the 24th Legislative District since 2013. The district includes his neighborhood as well as Homewood,East Liberty, East Hills and Wilkinsburg, which is just outside the city border.

Gainey is a former aide to Joe Preston, his predecessor as the district's representative. He also worked for the city in a community and economic development position.

Regarding Moreno, since his retirement from the police force he has volunteered for community supported agriculture, quarterly wellness fairs, has been an assistant coach for youth baseball in Brighton Heights and also has helped with youth basketball.

"As mayor of Pittsburgh, I will assist businesses to build, expand, and create jobs with the cooperation of local government," Moreno stated on his campaign website. "I will ensure accountability from the departments that run our city with the desire to secure equal treatment for all 90 neighborhoods - clean streets, compassion to those in need, and safe neighborhoods for all residents."

Thompson is a lifelong resident of the city and a Brown University graduate. He is a Butler County Community College math tutor and also drives for Uber and Lyft.

Thompson said on his campaign website that he will "propose a just and equitable budget, ensure progressive departmental appoints, and represent Pittsburgh as a truly loving and kind city on the world’s stage. We are one city, and together we can build a place where everyone is safe and empowered."