Corey O'Connor (D), Tony Moreno (R) spar over policing and finances in first Pittsburgh mayoral debate

In their first head-to-head debate before the November general election, Pittsburgh mayoral candidates Democrat Corey O’Connor and Republican Tony Moreno clashed over policing, city finances and leadership style.

The hourlong debate Tuesday evening hosted by Post-Gazette news partner KDKA-TV was the first joint appearance for the two candidates vying to succeed Mayor Ed Gainey, whom Mr. O’Connor defeated in the May Democratic primary.

Throughout the debate, Mr. Moreno, a retired police officer, criticized Mr. O’Connor’s record from his 11 years on Pittsburgh City Council.

“It’s really difficult to sit here and listen to someone talk about the things they want to do going forward when they were here for 10 years and had the opportunity to do that,” Mr. Moreno said. “He’s not talking about doing anything different. He’s just readjusting how he is going to direct things to end up in the same place.”


https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2025/10/07/pittsburgh-mayoral-election-debate-moreno-oconnor/stories/202510070084