Corey O’Connor will be sworn in as Pittsburgh’s 62nd mayor Monday afternoon in a ceremony at Carnegie Music Hall in the city’s Oakland neighborhood.
O’Connor, who previously served on Pittsburgh City Council for a decade before becoming Allegheny County controller, defeated outgoing Mayor Ed Gainey in the Democratic primary. He then sailed to a decisive victory over retired police officer Tony Moreno, the Republican candidate, to clinch the city’s highest elected office.
His inauguration ceremony — which will include speakers, musical performances, the oath of office and the new mayor’s inaugural address — is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday.
O’Connor also is expected to speak around 6:30 p.m. at an inaugural celebration at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
His day will begin with members of his administration welcoming him to the mayor’s office on Grant Street at 9:15 a.m.
O’Connor also is expected to attend a swearing-in ceremony for City Council members Monday morning. Kim Salinetro will take her seat representing the city’s West End, replacing longtime Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith. Council members Anthony Coghill, D-Beechview, R. Daniel Lavelle, D-Hill District, and Erika Strassburger, D-Squirrel Hill, will be sworn in for an additional term.
O’Connor is the son of the late Mayor Bob O’Connor, who died in 2006, only eight months after being sworn in as Pittsburgh’s 58th mayor.
He takes the reins as Pittsburgh is facing serious challenges.
“The road that we will travel is long and steeply uphill,” O’Connor acknowledged in his November victory speech after declaring a resounding victory on election night.
The city has seen revenues decline in recent years, pushing City Council to approve a 20% property tax hike to balance the 2026 budget. Its Downtown properties are worth less now than they were before the covid-19 pandemic popularized remote work, its aging vehicles are in serious need of upgrades, and its police department has dwindled to its lowest staffing in 20 years.
O’Connor on the campaign trail said he believes Pittsburgh deserves better. He campaigned on pledges to install steady leadership in the police bureau, prioritize core city services and attract more businesses and residents.
