Corey O’Connorofficially Allegheny County Controller announced his candidacy for mayor of Pittsburgh during Tuesday’s press conference.
“There is no longer any vision from Grant Street,” he said at the event. “When I look around, I see a mayor and an administration that is dealing with decline rather than trying to grow Pittsburgh.”
O’Connor, 40, has served as county controller since 2022 and previously served on the City Council, representing District 5 for a decade. He is the first challenger to appear against the incumbent Democratic mayor Ed Gainey who announced his intention to run for another term in September.
So far, no Republican has announced any intention to run for the position.
“I’m running because we deserve better,” O’Connor said. “We deserve neighborhoods that are growing and thriving. We must create new opportunities for affordable and accessible housing and eliminate obstacles to housing. We must provide space for new businesses and entrepreneurs to choose Pittsburgh.”
He is the son of the behind schedule Bob O’Connor who was mayor of pittsburgh for less than a year before he died in 2006 of a occasional form of brian’s cancer.
He told WPXI-TV There were many things he wanted to change in the city.
“You lack leadership, you have no vision of who we will be in 5-10 years,” he said. “Neighborhoods are not getting the resources they deserve. There is no real plan for neighborhoods or development, and I see a lack of leadership in our public safety department.
“I always come back to the elderly Main Street theory. If you invest a million dollars in a business district, the main intersection in every district, you will start in the heart of the district and build from there. And that creates an environment where people want to live here.
O’Connor began his career in public service as a Community Development Representative in the U.S. Congress Mike Doyle. He is a graduate of Central Catholic High School. He is the former head coach of the Vikings golf team and led the team to multiple state team championships and WPIAL team championships. O’Connor earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Duquesne University.
The 2025 primary elections are scheduled for Tuesday, May 20.
