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Mayor - CITY OF PITTSBURGH

Watch the 2025 Primary Mayoral Candidate Forum to hear from the candidates. Republican Candidates begin at 4:00 mark and Democratic Candidates begin at the 57 minute mark.

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  • Candidate picture

    Tony Moreno
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Thomas West
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What unique qualities, experience, or accomplishments do you have that make you the best option for voters?

What strategies will you use to create and maintain a thriving economy in Pittsburgh, especially for small businesses, workers, and young professionals, while ensuring affordability and quality of life for all residents?

How will you ensure that ALL neighborhoods receive equitable access to city services, resources, and development opportunities?

What are your thoughts on gun violence as a public health concern? What is your plan for reducing and/or preventing the levels of gun violence from rising?

Campaign Web Site http://Realsteelmayor.com
Occupation Retired police detective
Qualifications for office Proven leadership and success in government for 24 years. Identify and solve problems in a practical matter outside of the political frame
Education High school diploma, army basic training, military police school , airborne school, Ohio police Academy, Pittsburgh PA police academy, multiple collage courses , multiple certifications in mental health training, use of force training, Top Gun drug enforcement schoo and interview and interrogation
Facebook Pittsburgh’s Tony Moreno
X / Bluesky TonyMoreno@tonymoreno
Instagram / TikTok TonyMoreno412
I am an airborne combat veteran and retired 24 year police detective. I live my life in service to my country and Pittsburgh. I have spent time in all 90 neighborhoods of our city and I have a unique understanding of our diversity. I navigated the city’s policies and budgets while fighting for the rights of union members, residence and businesses in Pittsburgh. During the incredible growth downtown from 2009-2015 I successfully managed the issues of homelessness, mental illness and addiction.
Bring the feeling of safety back to the city through a robust revitalized police force. Review licensing and permits to streamline the process and remove unnecessary barriers to growth. Put forth an immediate action to clean our city starting from our roadways that enter our city moving into our neighborhoods. Removing blighted buildings and cleaning open lots. Preserve and build on public transportation. Open the city of Pittsburgh to the coming renaissance of Responsible AI, data mining and data storage technologies. Grow the manufacturing base to complement our education and medical facilities and the secondary business that follow. Flood the housing market with rehabed buildings coupled with new builds that are affordable to that area.
I will institute a department of neighborhoods that connects directly to the mayors office. This will give transparency and accountability to your elected officials and make communication with your government easier. Ensure when issues are addressed, all departments that are affected communicate and work together to resolve all issues. Categorize issues to ensure that regardless of area, safety issues are taken care of first.
Gun violence is not a public health issue. It is first, a law enforcement responsibility to immediately interrupt the violent act followed by why it is happening. It will mostly come to a financial problem and a lack of hope or confidence in their future. Identifying the problems and addressing them before the only answer is to act out violently. Connect all agencies to attack the availability of guns on the street to people that intend on using that firearm for criminal activity. An active , highly motivated well trained and capable gun task force wrapped around mental health resources are the first steps to address this deadly issue.
Campaign Web Site http://west4mayor.com
Occupation Entrepreneur
Qualifications for office As a proud Pittsburgh resident, small business owner, and former award-winning broadcast journalist, I bring a unique blend of private sector experience and public service values. Before founding my business in 2014, I spent over a decade as a producer in broadcast journalism, where I earned recognition for telling the stories that matter most to our community. That career sharpened my skills in communication, accountability, and listening to diverse voices. As a business owner, I’ve created jobs, managed budgets, and understand the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs. I’ve served on board
Education BS Communications
Facebook ThomasWestForMayor
X / Bluesky WestForPgh
Instagram / TikTok West4Mayor
I bring real-world experience, not politics as usual. As an award-winning journalist and small business owner, I’ve spent my career listening, solving problems, and holding institutions accountable. I’ve created jobs, balanced budgets, and served our community. I’m a pragmatic, results-driven leader who believes in honest government, safe neighborhoods, and opportunities for all. Pittsburgh needs leadership that delivers—not just talks. I’m ready to get it done.
A strong economy begins with safe streets, affordable living, and a business-friendly city. As Mayor, I’ll cut red tape, support job creators, and deliver a government that respects taxpayers. My “Small Business First” plan will streamline permits and help entrepreneurs thrive. I’ll invest in skills training for high-demand jobs, expand housing, and prioritize infrastructure. Public safety is key—I’ll fully staff our police and hire a trusted chief. I’ll also engage nonprofits in shared city investment. With sound leadership, Pittsburgh can grow, create opportunity, and be a city where families, workers, and businesses succeed.
Every Pittsburgh neighborhood deserves fair services and real investment. As Mayor, I’ll ensure city government serves all communities, not just a few. I’ll deliver clean streets, reliable trash pickup, and road repairs citywide, holding departments accountable. Public safety will be fair, with police and emergency resources based on need. I’ll drive targeted neighborhood investment, support small businesses, and ensure development reflects local voices. Transparency will build trust—residents will help guide spending. Together, we’ll ensure no neighborhood is left behind and all of Pittsburgh rises.
Illegal guns are driving violence in Pittsburgh, and we need decisive action. As Mayor, I’ll support the Allegheny County Gun Violence Task Force, fully staff our police, and appoint a chief who has the trust of both the community and officers. I’ll partner with trade unions to reintroduce a gun buyback program, giving young people the chance to trade illegal guns for access to apprenticeships and real career paths. I’ll also extend rec center hours to provide safe, supervised spaces, and focus on reducing poverty through economic growth. A safer Pittsburgh requires strong enforcement and real opportunities for our youth.