After defeating Baker Kurrus in a nonpartisan runoff election on Tuesday, Frank Scott Jr. made history as the first Black mayor to be elected by popular vote in Little Rock, Arkansas.
As reported by KATV, “Kurrus conceded to Scott about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday after early voting and absentee ballot numbers showed Scott had a sizable lead.”
In 1957, Little Rock became the center of the struggle to desegregate U.S. public schools when nine Black students (known as the Little Rock Nine) enrolled in the formerly all-white Central High School. Now 61 years later, an African American has been elected to lead the same city.
Scott, a Little Rock native, graduated from the University of Arkansas and obtained his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The 35-year-old is now a banker and associate pastor. He previously served as the deputy police director and director of intergovernmental affairs, as well as sat on the board of directors for the Little Rock Port Authority.
Little Rock has had two Black mayors before; however, according to USA Today, “they were elected city directors chosen for the job by fellow board members and not by voters.”
Congratulations Mayor-Elect Scott! We wish you the best of luck in your new role.