1997 Pittsburgh mayoral election

The mayoral election of 1997 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was held on Tuesday, November 4, 1997. The incumbent mayor, Tom Murphy of the Democratic Party was running for a second straight term.

1997 Pittsburgh mayoral election

← 1993 November 4, 1997 2001 →
 
Nominee Tom Murphy Harry Frost
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 63,246 17,161
Percentage 76.9% 20.9%

Mayor before election

Tom Murphy
Democratic

Elected Mayor

Tom Murphy
Democratic

Democratic primary

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Murphy faced a difficult battle from City Council President Bob O'Connor, who would later go on to become mayor. The incumbent's popularity was waning due to his steadfast of two controversial measures: a tax to construct new stadiums for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates, and a faltering public-private partnership to purchase vacant Downtown storefronts. The battle was especially tense due to personality differences between the two men that led to frequently clashes over legislation.

1997 Pittsburgh mayoral election, Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Tom Murphy (incumbent) 35,557 53.6
Democratic Bob O'Connor 26,652 41.7
Democratic Chaston Roston 3,104 4.7
Total votes 65,313 100

General Election

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A total of 82,203 votes were cast in the general election. As is typical of races in Pittsburgh, the Democratic candidate won by a large margin over Republican Harry Frost, a construction executive.

Pittsburgh mayoral election, 1997
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Tom Murphy (incumbent) 63,246 76.9
Republican Harry Frost 17,161 20.9
Turnout 82,203
Democratic hold Swing

References

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  • "Republican mayoral candidates through the years". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. November 7, 2007. Retrieved September 18, 2009.
Preceded by
1993
Pittsburgh mayoral election
1997
Succeeded by
2001