The city of Earle, located in Arkansas, elected Jaylen Smith as mayor in Tuesday nightβs runoff. This makes him the youngest Black mayor in the country at just 18 years old. According to election results, Smith managed to receive 218 votes while his opponent, Nemi Matthews Sr., obtained 139 votes.
Smith quickly went to Facebook to celebrate his victory:
Suggested Reading
βCitizens of Earle, Arkansas, itβs official!! I am your newly elected Mayor of Earle, Arkansasβ¦ βItβs Time to Build a Better Chapter of Earle, Arkansas.β I would like to thank all my supporters for stepping up getting people to the polls. I am truly grateful for you all.β
Smith, who just graduated from high school, told Cincinnatiβs WKRC about his plans to make transportation and public safety better. Earle has a population of about 2,000 people. He also wants to tear down houses that have been abandoned and build a grocery store.
βYouβre never too young to want to make a difference in your community,β Smith stated. His opponent, Nemi Matthews Sr., is the street superintendent of Earle. In addition, Matthews served as lieutenant for Earleβs police department. In total, he had worked for the City of Earle for more than four decades.
Just days before Tuesdayβs election, Matthews explained to WKRC the bond he and Smith share, stating that they are friends and that their families have been friends for a while.
βNo animosity, anything, far as me and Jaylen are concerned,β he commented. βEverything has been cordial. If I can help him do anything, Iβll do it, and likewise with him.β
Smithβs fiery resolve played a crucial role in his win. βWhen somebody tells me βno,β I donβt stop just because someone tells me βnoβ,β he has said in past interviews. βThereβs always someone waiting to tell you βyes.ββ
Straight From
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.