Jean Stothert

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Jean Stothert

| image = Jean Stothert 2020 (cropped).jpg

| office = 51st Mayor of Omaha

| term_start = June 10, 2013

| term_end = June 9, 2025

| predecessor = Jim Suttle

| successor = John Ewing Jr.

| office1 = Member of the Omaha City Council
from the 5th district

| term_start1 = 2008

| term_end1 = 2013

| predecessor1 = Dan Welch

| successor1 = Rich Pahls

| birth_name = Jean Louise Wolf

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1954|2|7}}

| birth_place = Wood River, Illinois, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = Republican

| spouse = {{marriage|Joe Stothert|1981|2021|end=died}}
{{marriage|Kevin O'Rourke|2022}}

| children = 2

| education = Seattle Pacific University (BS)

}}

Jean Louise Stothert (née Wolf; born February 7, 1954) is an American politician and former nurse who served as the 51st mayor of Omaha, Nebraska. She was first elected in 2013 and is the first woman to hold the office. She was re-elected in 2017 and 2021, and lost re-election in 2025.

Early life and career

Jean Stothert was born on February 7, 1954, in Wood River, Illinois.{{cite web|url = https://thewomenleaders.com/jean-stothert/|title = Jean Stothert|website = The Women Leaders| date=July 28, 2021 |access-date = June 20, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Sean |title=Meet Jean Stothert, Omaha's first elected woman mayor |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/05/15/meet-jean-stothert-omahas-first-elected-woman-mayor |access-date=May 19, 2013 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=May 15, 2013}} She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Seattle Pacific University.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

Stothert began her career in nursing. Her 12 years as a critical care nurse and nursing manager included serving as head nurse at St. Louis University in Missouri. She was responsible for her department budgeting, hiring and staff management.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

Political career

In 1997, Stothert was elected to the Millard Board of Education. She was re-elected for three terms, including 3 years as president of the board, serving until 2009.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

Entering politics after she and her husband moved to Omaha, Stothert was a candidate for the Nebraska Legislature in 2006. She was defeated by Steve Lathrop by 14 votes (5073–5059).{{cite web|url=http://www.sos.ne.gov/elec/canvass/general2006/unicam.htm#Race393 |title=Nebraska Election 2006 Official General Election Results |work=Official Nebraska Government Website |access-date=October 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210065612/http://www.sos.ne.gov/elec/canvass/general2006/unicam.htm |archive-date=February 10, 2015 }}

In 2009, Stothert was elected to the Omaha City Council (District 5), defeating Jon Blumenthal, 7401 to 4308.{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofomaha.org/cityclerk/images/stories/agenda/09_06_08%20Inauguration/601.pdf |title=Official Election Results City of Omaha |work=Douglas County Election Commission |access-date=October 4, 2013}}

= Mayor of Omaha =

On June 29, 2012, Stothert announced her candidacy for Mayor of Omaha.{{cite news|last=Perez Jr.|first=Juan|title=Stothert, Welch join Omaha mayor's race|url=http://www.omaha.com/article/20120628/NEWS/706289943/1694#stothert-welch-join-omaha-mayor-s-race|access-date=May 19, 2013|newspaper=Omaha World-Herald|date=June 28, 2012|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629220257/http://www.omaha.com/article/20120628/NEWS/706289943/1694#stothert-welch-join-omaha-mayor-s-race|url-status=dead}} Stothert raised $513,124 for campaign, compared to $804,700 raised by incumbent Jim Suttle.{{cite news|title=Omaha's next mayor|url=http://dataomaha.com/mayorguide|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628234712/http://dataomaha.com/mayorguide|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 28, 2013|access-date=May 19, 2013|newspaper=Omaha World-Herald}} Stothert received 32.2% of votes in a primary election of April 2, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.votedouglascounty.com/meer/el45_4.htm|title=2013 Primary Election Unofficial Results|date=April 2, 2013|access-date=April 15, 2013|work=Douglas County Election Commission|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616103649/http://www.votedouglascounty.com/meer/el45_4.htm|archive-date=June 16, 2013}} She was elected mayor with 57.32% of votes, on May 14, 2013, defeating Suttle.{{cite news|last=Tysver |first=Robynn |title=Jean Stothert wins by wide margin to become Omaha's first woman mayor. |url=http://www.omaha.com/article/20130514/NEWS/130519843 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630015309/http://www.omaha.com/article/20130514/NEWS/130519843 |archive-date=June 30, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2013 |newspaper=Omaha World-Herald |date=May 15, 2013 }} She is the first woman to hold this office.{{cite news|last=Perez Jr. |first=Juan |title=Jean Stothert urged to set new tone early |url=http://www.omaha.com/article/20130519/NEWS/705199912/1685 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630021242/http://www.omaha.com/article/20130519/NEWS/705199912/1685 |archive-date=June 30, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2013 |newspaper=Omaha World-Herald |date=May 19, 2013 }}

Stothert was re-elected in 2017.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Heath Mello loses Omaha mayor’s race after anti-Trump theme, abortion message flop |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/10/democrat-heath-mello-loses-omaha-mayoral-race/ |access-date=2017-05-10 |website=The Washington Times |language=en-US}} In 2019, there was a petition to get a recall of Stothert onto the ballot. According to Eric Scott, who filed the petition, the attempt failed due to insufficient funding and a lack of volunteers.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-23 |title=Group formed to recall Omaha mayor ends its efforts |url=https://www.apnews.com/article/ce6dad9880a047dfbd59103b385c0131 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=AP News |language=en}} Scott cited concerns about infrastructure and potholes as the primary reason for the attempt.{{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=John |date=2019-04-18 |title=Group pushing for recall vote to oust Mayor Stothert |language=en |work=WOWT |url=https://www.wowt.com/content/news/Group-pushing-for-recall-vote-to-oust-Mayor-Stothert-508767601.html |access-date=2023-11-30}} Stothert won her third term{{cite news |last=Mastre |first=Brian |date=January 5, 2021 |title=Candidates running for Omaha Mayor turn in signatures |work=WOWT |url=https://www.wowt.com/2021/01/05/democrats-running-for-omaha-mayor-turn-in-signatures/ |access-date=March 6, 2021}} for Omaha Mayor in 2021.

In 2022, there was a charter convention to amend the Omaha city charter; the convention resulted in 24 proposed amendments.{{Cite web |last=Knoelk |first=Bryan |title=Omaha's 2022 Charter Convention List Of Recommended Amendments – River City Omaha |url=https://rivercityomaha.com/2022/07/omahas-2022-charter-convention-list-of-recommended-amendments/ |access-date=2023-12-06 |language=en-US}} The most controversial amendment to pass delayed the process by which the city council president could be appointed acting mayor if the current mayor leaves Omaha. An amendment adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected characteristics in the charter was rejected on grounds that a legal challenge to it could jeopardize other protected characteristics.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-24 |title=Omaha City Council approves charter amendments for November election |url=https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/omaha-city-council-approves-charter-amendments-for-november-election |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=KMTV 3 News Now Omaha |language=en}} In June 2023, an Omaha resident filed paperwork to start petitions for the removal of both Stothert and city councilman Vinny Palermo.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-21 |title=South Omaha resident starts circulation process of recall petition against Councilman Vinny Palermo |url=https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/south-omaha-resident-starts-circulation-process-of-recall-petition-against-councilman-vinny-palermo |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=KMTV 3 News Now Omaha |language=en}} The resident cited perceived corruption in the 2022 charter convention alongside a failure to repeal the restaurant tax as reasons to recall Stothert.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-04 |title=Petition filed to recall Mayor Jean Stothert |url=https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/petition-filed-to-recall-mayor-jean-stothert |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=KMTV 3 News Now Omaha |language=en}}

Residential areas and downtown Omaha have high levels of lead in the environment, which is believed to be the result of lead plants that previously operated in Omaha.{{Cite web |title=Lead Contamination Discovered on Five School Campuses - City of Omaha |url=https://www.cityofomaha.org/latest-news/1050-lead-contamination-discovered-on-five-school-campuses |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=www.cityofomaha.org}} The mayor's office and city council have created clean-up programs for residential homes and testing of contaminated soil.{{Cite web |title=Lead Hazard Programs - City of Omaha Planning CD |url=https://planninghcd.cityofomaha.org/lead-hazard-programs |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=planninghcd.cityofomaha.org}} On February 3, 2023, Stothert and the City of Omaha were awarded $34.3 million to put towards these programs from the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.{{Cite web |last=Ashford |first=Kellen |date=February 3, 2023 |title=EPA and HUD Officials Present Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert with $34.3M to Protect Children from Lead at Homes in City |url=https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-and-hud-officials-present-omaha-mayor-jean-stothert-343m-protect-children-lead |website=EPA.gov}}

Stothert signed an executive order in August 2023 that addressed firearms on city-owned properties.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jake |date=2023-08-30 |title=Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert signs executive order prohibiting possession of firearms at city properties |url=https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-mayor-jean-stothert-executive-order-prohibiting-possession-firearms-city-properties/44952829 |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=KETV |language=en}} The executive order bans the possession of concealed firearms and places public notices in the designated city-owned and city-leased land.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-13 |title=Nebraska gunowners group assessing legal options after executive orders, Omaha proposals |url=https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/nebraska-gunowners-group-assessing-legal-options-after-executive-orders-omaha-proposals |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=KMTV 3 News Now Omaha |language=en}} In November 2023, Stothert signed two resolutions from City Council to address gun control in Omaha.{{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=John |date=2023-08-30 |title=Omaha mayor signs executive order banning firearms on city property |url=https://www.wowt.com/2023/08/30/omaha-mayor-signs-executive-order-banning-weapons-city-property/ |access-date=2023-12-07 |work=WOWT |language=en}} One resolution removed state-mandated training and encourages residents to voluntarily seek training on gun use and safety. The second resolution banned possession of home-assembled handgun kits.{{Cite news |last=Sanderford |first=Aaron |date=2023-11-09 |title=Omaha mayor signs off on council's gun kit ordinance, gun resolutions |url=https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/09/omaha-mayor-signs-off-on-councils-gun-kit-ordinance-gun-resolutions/ |access-date=2023-12-07 |work=Nebraska Examiner |language=en-US}} These resolutions were made in collaboration by Stothert, Omaha City Council, and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer.

In November 2023, Stothert was named as the defendant in a federal lawsuit that contended that, by appointing Matt Kuhse as city attorney, she chose "a less qualified male candidate for the role". The plaintiff, Michelle Peters, was Deputy City Attorney of Omaha. In response, Kuhse contended that the previous city attorney, Paul Kratz, recommended that someone outside of the city law department be appointed.{{Cite news |last=Dvorak |first=Gina |date=2023-11-09 |title=City of Omaha, mayor sued for sexual discrimination over City Attorney appointment |url=https://www.wowt.com/2023/11/09/omaha-mayor-sued-sexual-discrimination-over-city-attorney-appointment/ |access-date=2023-12-06 |work=WOWT |language=en}} Stothert endorsed the Republican nominee Donald Trump in the 2024 United States presidential election which was said to have been a factor in her defeat in the subsequent Mayoral election.{{Cite news |last=Reston |first=Maeve |last2=Scherer |first2=Michael |last3=Dawsey |first3=Josh |last4=Parker |first4=Ashley |last5=Pager |first5=Tyler |last6=Schaul |first6=Kevin |last7=Perry |first7=Kati |last8=Melgar |first8=Luis |last9=Keating |first9=Dan |date=2025-05-13 |title=Democrats pull off an upset in Nebraska, electing Omaha’s first Black mayor |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/13/nebraska-democrats-republicans-trump-omaha/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |work=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}

On May 13, 2025, Stothert lost re-election to John Ewing, the Douglas County treasurer.

Personal life

Stothert married Joe Stothert in 1981. He became a critical care surgery specialist at the Nebraska Medical Center. The couple had two children, and were married until Joe Stothert died by suicide at age 72 on March 5, 2021 after struggling with his mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. In July 2021, Stothert publicly refused to support an additional mask mandates.

In May 2022, she married J. Kevin O'Rourke and moved to St. Louis while continuing to work remotely as mayor. O'Rourke is a retired anesthesiologist who Stothert met when he was in medical school at St. Louis University and she was a critical care nurse at St. Louis University Hospital.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}