Charlotte, N.C., elects its first female African American mayor

Charlotte, N.C., has elected its first female African American mayor in Democrat Vi Lyles, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Lyles won 58 percent of the votes over the Republican challenger, Kenny Smith.

“With this opportunity you’ve given me, you’ve proven that we are a city of opportunity and inclusiveness,” Lyles said in a speech, according to the Observer. “You’ve proven that a woman whose father didn’t graduate from high school can become this city’s first female African-American mayor.”

{mosads}Lyles had previously served as the city’s assistant city manager, according to the Observer.

Lyles ran on a platform promoting economic and social justice in Charlotte, including improving the relationship between Charlotte’s police department and citizens and increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Her victory follows a host of other Democratic victories in Tuesday’s elections, including a sweep of Virginia’s statewide races, the New Jersey governor’s race and the Manchester, N.H. mayoral race.