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Jaylen Smith has been elected as the mayor of Earle, Arkansas, on the night of Tuesday, December 6th, making him the youngest Black mayor in America!
The 18-year-old candidate defeated Nemi Matthews Sr. in a runoff election with 218 votes compared to Matthews’ 139, according to election results.
Matthews is the superintendent of Earle and possess more than four decades of experience in the Arkansas town. With a population of 2,000 people, the town will now receive major assistance from a recent high school graduate.
Smith announced his win on Facebook, sharing thanks as well.
For reference, Michael Tubbs was the first African-American mayor in the U.S. as well as the youngest mayor in Stockton, California’s history. In 2020, he lost his reelection to Kevin Lincoln.