Pittsburgh voters went to the polls to pick a new mayor on Tuesday.

After one term, incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey lost to Corey O'Connor in May's Democratic primary, setting up a challenge between O'Connor and Republican Tony Moreno.

The Associated Press is projecting that O'Connor has defeated Moreno. As the results come in, you can see them in real time below. 

Both candidates cast their ballots

Walking into the voting booth on Tuesday morning, both candidates feel confident.

"I feel pretty confident that we got our message across to a lot of people over a year-long-plus campaign at this point," said Corey O'Connor.

"Everybody tells me, 'You don't have a chance,' but that's not what people on the streets say. It's 50-50, everybody," Moreno said.

"Your vote matters, and if you want to see change in city government and you want to see new leadership, that's ready from day one to talk about growth and opportunity. I'm your candidate," said O'Connor. 

Who is Corey O'Connor? 

O'Connor, a former Pittsburgh city councilmember and the current Allegheny County controller, is running for the position once held by his father, the late Bob O'Connor. 

Bob O'Connor died in 2006 at age 61 after learning he had a rare form of brain cancer only seven months into his term.

If he wins, O'Connor spoke about getting a chief of police, an economic development team, and community input. O'Connor said, 

"It's a great opportunity for Pittsburgh. And I think that's why there's a lot of enthusiasm today about a change in leadership, but also a change in vision," O'Connor added.

Who is Tony Moreno? 

Moreno, a retired police officer who served the city for 24 years, defeated business owner Thomas West in the Republican primary.

Moreno has been on the ballot before. After losing to Gainey in the 2021 Democratic primary, Moreno ran in the general election as a Republican. He was beaten again by Gainey, who went on to become the city's first Black mayor.  

It's an uphill battle for Moreno. The city hasn't had a Republican mayor since 1933. 

"It feels good because everybody wants to be involved. It's such a different time than it was four years ago," Moreno said on Tuesday morning.

Moreno spoke about working as an "agent of change" and providing accountability and transparency. 

"Pittsburgh, I'm here for you. I'm here to be transparent, and I'm here to be honest. I'm here to show you where your tax dollars are going to be spent. I'm here to keep you safe," said Moreno.

Mayor to inherit tough financial situation

During the primaries, both O'Connor and Moreno criticized Gainey's leadership, saying it was time for a change. Whoever becomes Pittsburgh's new mayor inherits a budget that the city controller called "unrealistic." The city faces the end of federal COVID-19 relief funds and a drop in tax assessments on Downtown buildings. There are also concerns about an aging vehicle fleet and drastic understaffing. 

Voters will head to the polls at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. The polls close at 8 p.m.