Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor on Sunday narrowly beat out Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey for the Allegheny County Democratic Committee’s endorsement in what is shaping up to be a hotly contested mayoral primary in May.

The committee in a social media post said the tally was close enough to trigger a recount, which is being held Monday to finalize the mayoral endorsement.

“While the final outcome will be determined by a recount in the coming days, I’m proud of the support we received and the energy behind our campaign,” Gainey said in a statement.

O’Connor, a former city councilman and son of the late Mayor Bob O’Connor, is looking to unseat Gainey, who is seeking a second term on Grant Street.

Sunday’s vote marks the second consecutive mayoral race in which the committee endorsed the challenger over the sitting mayor. When the committee gave the nod to Gainey in 2021, then-Mayor Bill Peduto had not formally sought the endorsement.

“I think it just builds on more and more momentum that people throughout Pittsburgh want change,” O’Connor told TribLive Monday.

O’Connor earned the endorsement over a mayor who once chaired the committee.

O’Connor has been outpacing Gainey in fundraising efforts. According to their most recent campaign finance reports, O’Connor has nearly $889,000 cash on hand, compared to nearly $257,000 in Gainey’s coffers.

Gainey and O’Connor last week traded barbs about accepting money from Republican supporters. They’ve both taken money from GOP contributors.

O’Connor said it was an honor to receive the committee’s endorsement. He said he would continue reaching out to voters to earn support ahead of the May 20 primary.

“We’re going to continue to fight for every vote that’s out there,” O’Connor said.

Gainey in a statement highlighted his administration’s efforts to push back against President Donald Trump, to get nonprofits to pay taxes or voluntary payments and to build and preserve more affordable housing.

“In May, Democratic voters can keep moving forward on the transformational progress we’ve delivered and protect against Trump, his cronies, and real-estate tycoons,” Gainey said. “I welcome every person in Pittsburgh to join us in that fight.”

The winner of the Democratic primary will face a contested general election, too. Former Pittsburgh police officer Tony Moreno and businessman Thomas West are facing off on the Republican ticket.

The Allegheny County Democratic Committee on Sunday also endorsed Kim Salinetro to replace retiring City Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith, D-West End.

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