Arkansas town elects youngest Black mayor in US
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By Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill
Voters in the small town of Earle, Ark., elected the country’s youngest Black mayor in a runoff election on Tuesday night.
Jaylen Smith, 18, is a recent graduate of Earle High School. But come January, he will be mayor of the city of Earle, where about 2,000 people live.
According to election results, Smith managed to receive 218 votes while his opponent, Nemi Matthews Sr., won 139 votes.
Smith announced his win in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“Citizens of Earle, Arkansas, it’s official!! I am your newly elected Mayor of Earle, Arkansas,” Smith posted. “‘It’s Time to Build a Better Chapter of Earle, Arkansas.’ I would like to thank all my supporters for stepping up getting people to the polls. I am truly grateful for you all.”
WKRC reported that Smith’s focus as mayor will be on improving public safety and transportation, tearing down abandoned houses and bringing a grocery store to the city.
The Hill includes a statement from Smith’s opponent.
The midterm elections were historic for Black candidates across the board.
ABHM’s breaking news archive includes political stories frequently.
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