18-year-old becomes youngest Black Mayor in US after winning election
Jaylen Smith was elected the mayor of Earle, Arkansas, on Tuesday night, Dec. 6, becoming the youngest Black mayor in the United States.
Smith, 18, defeated Nemi Matthews Sr. in a runoff election.
Smith had 218 votes, compared to Matthews’ 139, according to election results.
Smith announced his win in a Facebook post, saying: “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 getting people to the polls. I am truly grateful for you all.”
Congratulatory messages are already pouring in, with many wishing him a successful tenure.
