Yemi Mobolade makes Colorado Springs history, becoming city's first elected Black mayor

Eighteen months ago Yemi Mobolade was a political newcomer who set out to become Colorado Springs' next mayor and break the status quo. On Tuesday night, he was poised to do just that — and was also on his way to making history as the city's first elected Black mayor.

Unofficial results released by the City Clerk's Office at 9:40 p.m. show Mobolade, 44, had about 57.5% of the vote, ahead of his opponent Wayne Williams in the race, who had 42.5%.

Mobolade's decisive victory represents a seismic political surprise in Colorado Springs, long known as a conservative stronghold.

Though the city's municipal elections are nonpartisan, Mobolade, who is neither a Republican nor a Democrat, will be the first mayor not affiliated with the Republican party since Colorado Springs started electing mayors 45 years ago.

He has promised a more "inclusive, culturally rich city."

At: https://gazette.com/election-coverage/yemi-mobolade-makes-colorado-springs-history-becoming-citys-first-elected-black-mayor/article_9853dc72-f044-11ed-9482-df77550f7aca.html

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Colorado Springs Mayor-elect Yemi Mobolade thanks supporters after his historic election to the majority-white - and historically Republican - city.