Voters in Alexandria, Virginia made a historic pick on Election Night.
On Tuesday (Nov. 5), Democrat Alyia Gaskins was elected as the mayor of Alexandria, per NBC Washington.
The win makes Gaskins the first Black woman to serve as Alexandria mayor.
“I wish I could tell you there was one word to describe the feeling, but it’s a mix of joy. It’s a mix of hope, excitement,” Gaskins said in a statement.
Gaskins, who was first elected to city council in 2021, defeated two other candidates in June’s primary to secure the Democratic nominee. She then ran unopposed on Election Day.
“I am committed to helping us be a safer and more affordable and more accessible city, and one that truly works for all of us,” she said.
Residents also voted on all of Alexandria’s council seats. Nine people ran and six Democrats won.
“We have elected an amazing, progressive team of Democrats, folks who I know share the same commitment to housing, to child care, to climate change, to gun violence and other critical issues in our city,” Gaskins said.
Gaskins, who will replace two-term mayor Justin Wilson, also acknowledged her historic achievement as Vice President Kamala Harris came shy of making history in the White House.
“I had deep hope that last night mine would not be the only historic election, that I would be sharing this victory with our first female president,” Gaskins said. “I’m standing in the hope, and I feel confident Alexandrians have elected the right people to lead us through.”
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