Nigerian Yemi Mobolade Becomes First Black Elected Mayor Of Colorado Springs

Nigerian Yemi Mobolade has emerged as the first black-elected Mayor of Colorado Springs.

Gatekeepers News reports that the victory of the immigrant represents a political earthquake in Colorado Springs, long known as a conservative stronghold.

Wayne Williams is a Republican while Mobolade is unaffiliated, making me the first-ever non-Republican mayor elected in the city of Colorado Springs.

The Nigerian businessman with no political experience defeated Wayne Williams on Tuesday night in the city’s runoff contest.

He received 57% of the vote to Williams’ 43% as of 7:15 p.m. Tuesday. Williams conceded at about 7:30 p.m. The percentage remained the same when the second batch of results was released shortly before 9 p.m.

Mobolade will succeed a former Federal Prosecutor and Colorado Attorney General who was term-limited, to become the city’s 42nd mayor.

Mobolade’s decisive victory represents a political earthquake in Colorado Springs, long known as a conservative stronghold. Williams is a Republican while Mobolade is unaffiliated.

“Wow,” an incredulous Mobolade said to kick off his victory speech. “Wow. Wow. I am speechless.”

“This is our win,” Mobolade said. “We are Colorado Springs. It’s a new day in our beloved city. Do you believe that? Colorado Springs will be become an inclusive, culturally rich, economically prosperous, safe, and vibrant city.”

Leon Young was Colorado Springs’ first Black mayor, though he wasn’t elected to the position. Young was elevated to interim mayor in 1997 after the resignation of Mayor Bob Isaac.