The incumbent mayor, Tom Murphy of the Democratic Party was running for a second straight term.

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.

As is typical of races in Pittsburgh, the Democratic candidate won by a large margin over Republican Harry Frost, a construction executive.