Jaylen Smith has set a record on the big stage by becoming the youngest black mayor in the United States after a landslide victory in a runoff election.
Smith, 18, defeated Nemi Matthews Sr. in a runoff election to emerge the mayor of Earle, Arkansas. 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.”
This will also make him one of the youngest mayors of any race in the United States. His mayoral term will start in January 2023. Smith’s mayoral priorities include improving public safety and transportation, beautification and renewal of underused housing, and addressing the food desert in Earle. In preparation for his time in public office, Smith was given guidance by Frank Scott Jr., the Mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas.
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