DONALSONVILLE, Ga. (WTXL) — The City of Donalsonville, Georgia has made history.
A historic race ends with Ronald Johnson being sworn in this evening as Donalsonville, Georgia’s first black mayor.
Ron Johnson defeated Mitzie Moye last week to capture the mayoral election.
“I couldn’t have run against a finer opponent," said Johnson. "I have nothing but respect and love for Ms. Mitzie and her husband.”
Locals say electing a black mayor has been a long time coming and that they’re excited to see Johnson in action.
“I know that he’s going to have a field operation where he can get out and talk to some of the black guys and some of the white guys, some of the elderly people," said Francito Laverne James, a Donalsonville resident. "Again, we are overdue for this.”
“It’s awesome for Donalsonville because it’s historic," said Tony Buczek, a pastor in Donalsonville. "It’s the first time ever.”
“It means that we have representation," Donalsonville pastor, Gerald Beard said. "It means we have someone who is fair. I believe that he will serve the community with all of his heart.”
The new mayor says he’s humbled and excited to not only be the first black mayor but to serve every person in Donalsonville.
“Yeah, I’m black," said Johnson. "I’m proud to be black. But it’s all about black, white, blue, purple, we are all about every citizen in Donalsonville and doing what’s best for the city and the citizens.”
Mayor Johnson says the first thing on his agenda as mayor is to simply observe.
The new mayor says there is power in unity and wants to show those who did not vote his way the type of person he is and what he stands for.
