Scoop: O'Connor up by 12 points in mayoral race
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Corey O'Connor in the Strip District on Feb. 10. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor is out to a sizable early lead in Pittsburgh's mayoral contest.
Why it matters: First-term Mayor Ed Gainey has attracted a formidable Democratic primary challenger in O'Connor, the son of a former mayor and a stalwart in local politics.
Driving the news: An internal poll obtained by Axios shows O'Connor up 12 percentage points against Gainey among likely Democratic voters.
By the numbers: In a question about who voters supported, O'Connor received 47%, which included undecided voters who were leaning toward O'Connor.
- Gainey received 35%, including undecided voters who were leaning toward him.
- 16% of likely voters remained undecided with no preference.
State of play: O'Connor currently holds a large fundraising advantage over Gainey, with the controller's campaign sporting $681,000 cash on hand compared to the mayor's $237,000, according to January campaign finance reports.
- O'Connor raised $465,000 in January.
- Gainey raised about $24,000 that month.
Zoom in: The mayor is also trailing O'Connor in favorability, according to the poll.
- Gainey notched 51% approval and 43% disapproval.
- O'Connor had 60% approval and 13% disapproval.
Yes, but: Gainey earned the backing of United Steelworkers, one of the largest and most influential unions in the region.
Zoom out: The poll also showed Gov. Josh Shapiro had an 82% approval rating among likely Democratic voters in the city, the highest of any politician polled.
- U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-Swissvale) received 70% approval.
- Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, a Democrat, had 63% approval.
Fine print: 500 likely Democratic city voters were polled via phone calls. The poll was conducted between Feb. 6-11. Washington, D.C.-based Lake Research Partners conducted the poll.
What's next: The primary election is May 20.