Arkansas city elects youngest Black mayor in the country

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The city of Earle, Arkansas elected the country's youngest Black mayor in a runoff on Tuesday.

“It’s Time to Build a Better Chapter of Earle, Arkansas," 18-year-old Jaylen Smith said while celebrating his historic win.

Smith won his race with 235 to 183 votes.

In August, Smith filed his name to run for mayor of Earle. Mayor-elect Smith graduated from Earle High School in May. He said his involvement in student government inspired his desire to run for mayor.

"People are crying out for change and I wanted to be that change to move us forward," Smith said.

According to Smith, his campaign run was not easy. He called his journey a wonderful lesson and believes not everyone took his running for mayor seriously.

"People looking at me, well I'm too young, he has no experience, he's fresh out of high school but I used to always tell people you have to start somewhere in life," he said.

Despite Smith's age, Cymone Poole who works at Glory Grill restaurant still voted for him. She said it was his determination that won her over.

“It’s just in him, you know the way he walks, he talks, he dress, It’s just in him to lead," Poole said.

Poole told KATV she's hoping Smith a successful four years in his first term as mayor of Earle. She said this is a moment the city didn't think was possible.

“Nothing like this has ever happened before and we look forward to it. To me it’s a great opportunity," she said.

Smith said while he appreciates the national spotlight, his focus is on making the city of Earle a better community for the future.

"It's not about Jaylen Smith, it's about the people of Earle, Arkansas and it's about the change that's about to happen come January," Smith said.

Smith plans to improve public safety for the city, implement different safety and emergency plans as well as a plan to beautify the city. He will begin his new role as mayor of Earle January 1.