18-year old Jaylen Smith makes history as the youngest black mayor in the United States after winning the election in Earle, Arkansas.
Jaylen Smith, a college freshman will serve as the mayor of Earle, a town of about 2,000 people where he won with 218 votes beating his opponent, Nemi Mathews Sr who pulled 139 votes in a runoff. election. Smith revealed his excitement and said “It feels awesome. Generations and generations of people will read about this historical moment.”
The young politician who is a recent graduate of Earle High School said his fellow student government association members encouraged him to contest for the position.
Sharing the news via a Facebook post, Smith, an Arkansas State University Mid-South student, said he hopes his win will inspire other young people to get into politics.
He wrote, “Citizens of Earle, Arkansas, it’s official!! I am your newly elected Mayor of Earle, Arkansas. “It’s Time to Build a Better Chapter of Earle, Arkansas.” I would like to thank all my supporters for stepping up to get people to the polls. I am truly grateful for you all.”
The mayor-elect says his administration will prioritise transportation, public safety and renewal of underused housing.
