A small Arkansas metropolis has elected the youngest Black mayor within the U.S. On Tuesday, 18-year-old Jaylen Smith was elected mayor of Earle, Arkansas, a small metropolis of fewer than 2,000 folks.
“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,” Smith, a Democrat, wrote on Facebook.
Smith defeated Nemi Matthews, who serves because the city’s road superintendent and sanitation superintendent, in keeping with the Arkansas Municipal League, in a runoff election Tuesday.
Matthews congratulated Smith on his win and wished him good luck.
“Good evening citizens of Earle. First I want to Thank everyone that supported me during this entire election. Secondly I congratulate Mayor elect Jaylen Smith for a well ran race I wish you well. Again Thanks!!!” he wrote on Facebook.
Smith ran on enhancing public security, repairing town’s drainage programs and addressing deserted homes and neighborhood involvement.
A local of Earle, Smith lately graduated from Earle High School and served in management positions in a number of golf equipment and as president of his faculty’s pupil authorities affiliation for 3 years, he stated on Facebook.