18-year-old elected as mayor in Arkansas town

I feel amazing, unbelievable, you know, breaking barriers, obstacles. Just amazing, overwhelmed with emotion. Jalen Smith is coming to terms that he’s the youngest African American mayor in the nation, but his win didn’t come as *** surprise. I did, I did expect this to be the outcome because throughout my campaign I was always told to outwork my opponents, he outscored his opponent for sure, winning the election 18-139. *** small community now getting national attention. *** lot of people get to see like Congressman celebrities, probably president problem saw it already. So it’s just amazing, you know, getting all these interviews and different things like speaking with different people about, about my why and my purpose is why beautifying the city housing and improving public safety. Starting with *** 24/7 police department plus bringing *** grocery store in town, which the city currently lacks. All that Smith knows won’t be an easy task. I’m *** little, I’m *** little nervous but throughout my high school time I’ve, I’ve been preparing, I’m gonna go get her so whatever, whatever the city needs I’m gonna get four months ago action News five was the first to travel to Earle Arkansas to speak with him in august he was fresh out of high school and now his first job has won him the title of mayor, not going to take just me making our cities better. It’s gonna take myself the city council, the people to work together as *** team, collaborative to move our city forward. His message to those who believe he might be too young for the position. No, because I use that as motivation to me to prove them wrong.

18-year-old elected as mayor in Arkansas town

Updated: 3:21 AM EST Dec 9, 2022

An 18-year-old man is the incoming mayor of a small town in the northeast Arkansas town of Earle.Jaylen Smith won a runoff election on Dec. 6 to become the mayor. He graduated from Earle High School in May.Smith said his involvement with the school’s student government inspired him to run for office.”People are crying out for change, and I want to be the change to move Earle forward,” he said.Smith also admitted that his age made it difficult for some voters to take him seriously.”But I’ve always told people you have to start somewhere in life,” he said.Cymone Poole says she voted for Smith. She said Smith impressed her, despite his youth.”It’s just in him. You know, the way he walks, he talks, he dressed. You know, it’s just in him to lead.”Smith is set to be sworn in on New Year’s Day and serve a 4-year term.

An 18-year-old man is the incoming mayor of a small town in the northeast Arkansas town of Earle.

Jaylen Smith won a runoff election on Dec. 6 to become the mayor. He graduated from Earle High School in May.

Smith said his involvement with the school’s student government inspired him to run for office.

“People are crying out for change, and I want to be the change to move Earle forward,” he said.

Smith also admitted that his age made it difficult for some voters to take him seriously.

“But I’ve always told people you have to start somewhere in life,” he said.

Cymone Poole says she voted for Smith. She said Smith impressed her, despite his youth.

“It’s just in him. You know, the way he walks, he talks, he dressed. You know, it’s just in him to lead.”

Smith is set to be sworn in on New Year’s Day and serve a 4-year term.