Sharon Tucker, was elected as mayor of the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana in a historic democratic caucus on Saturday.
Tucker, who is a member of the Eta Upsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. currently serves as a city councilwoman. The Journal Gazette reports that she was elected mayor in the second round of voting that took place during the Democratic caucus when she met the requirement of 50% of the votes plus one. She will take over the position from the previous Mayor Tom Henry who, according to the Associated Press, died March 28 due to a medical emergency caused by stomach cancer.
Derek Camp, chairman of the Allen County Democratic Party, told the Associated Press that Tucker will serve the remainder of Henry’s mayoral term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2027.
Tucker will be the first Black mayor or Fort Wayne and the city’s second woman mayor. Her sorority sisters celebrated the historic moment and released the following statement:
“Eta Upsilon Zeta Chapter extend our sincere and heartfelt congratulations to our Sorority sister, Mayor-elect Sharon Tucker. She has, once again, made history in the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana as the first African American woman and second woman elected to the office of Mayor. We know, first-hand, the passion and heart she has to serve and positively impact the people of this city. Mayor-elect Tucker’s focus on mental health, enhancing our neighborhoods and fair and safe housing has made a difference in the lives of many residents. The journey forward is one that builds on the legacy left by Mayor Tom Henry, and will be a strong foundation for more growth and evolution for Fort Wayne. We encourage all who have a true love for this city to come to the table for collaboration and bipartisanship to bring the best of ourselves for a better Fort Wayne!”
Tucker is set to be sworn in officially as mayor next week.
