State Rep. Ed Gainey announced Tuesday he is challenging Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto in the Democratic primary.
“I’m 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,” said Gainey, who turns 51 next month, in an announcement emailed Tuesday night. “We can uplift the City of Pittsburgh for everyone if we start with those who have been left behind.”
Gainey, of Lincoln-Lemington, is a father of three and is married to Michelle (Coburn) Gainey. He has served in the state House since 2013, representing the 24th District.
The primary election, on May 18, essentially decides the race for mayor of Pittsburgh, as the Republican voters are few and a Republican mayor has not served since the 1930s.
“I understand that city government has the power to change lives, uplift communities, and fix what’s broken in our city. Our city is divided, but when we all lay our heads down at night, I believe we all share the same vision for our families, our children, and our neighborhoods,” Gainey said. “To fulfill our vision for a better tomorrow, Pittsburgh deserves a mayor who will fight with all they’ve got to see the vision through. I’m ready for that fight, and as the next mayor of the city of Pittsburgh, I’ll be a mayor for all of us.”
Gainey’s announcement comes five days after Peduto formalized his candidacy for a third term.
Gainey will formally launch his campaign during a virtual event at 2 p.m. Saturday.
A Pittsburgh native, Gainey served in two mayoral administrations before being elected to the state House.
He currently serves on the Appropriations, Education, Labor & Industry and Transportation committees.
