List of the youngest mayors in the United States

This is a list of the youngest mayors in the United States. This list is inclusive of individuals nearest to the age of majority at the time of their election; usually under the age of 25. The people listed here are notable because of the rarity of their age category holding elected office of any type, particularly mayoralties. This list also includes young mayors who have led significant or noteworthy terms.

Youngest mayors

Listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Name Locale State Birth date Age at appointment Population (As of 2000) Term Notes
Tashua Allman Glenville WV 1988 21 1,544 2009-2013 The youngest mayor of Glenville and youngest female and youngest mayor in West Virginia history [1]
Matthew Avitabile Middleburgh NY 1986 25 1,398 2012–present [2]
Phillip Campbell Howell MI 1980 31 9,489 2011–present The youngest Mayor of Howell and one of the youngest ever in Michigan. Served two terms (2011-2013 and 2013-2015). [3]
Jenny Lynn Barger Sligo PA 1988 20 728 2009–present Youngest ever female mayor, appointed to fill term of Mark Rummell who resigned.[4]
Jeffrey Beauregard Palo IA 1979 29 1,988 2008–2009 Appointed to mayor's position in July, 2008 by city council. He led his community through its recovery from a flood. Beauregard won awards for his leadership during and after the flood.[5]
Ryan Bingham Torrington CT 1983 22 36,383 2005–2013 Bingham was the youngest mayor in Connecticut's history as of his 2005 election.
Matthew Bogusz Des Plaines IL 1986 26 58,000 2013–present Elected as an alderman at age 22 and mayor at age 26 [6]
Nicholas Bozarth Napavine WA 1985 22 2,000 2008–2011 As the youngest mayor of Napavine, Washington Bozarth banned city workers from taking lunch breaks at a local tavern and took on a controversial police chief. Bozarth did not run for re-election.
Nicholas Breedlove Webster NC 1983 29 363 2013 Local journalist, mounted a successful write-in campaign for the non-partisan position.
Stephen Brinlee Wilburton OK 1985 22 2,972 2007–present Elected Mayor of Wilburton while serving as the Latimer County Democratic Party Chairman. His predecessor, Karin Woodruff, was named 2006's Small Town Mayor of the Year. Brinlee received 238 votes to Woodruff's 100.[7]
Gary C. Brown Laclede MO 1983 25 415 2008–2012 Elected Mayor at 25 as a write-in candidate, winning by a landslide. Re elected for a second term. Participated in twinning ceremonies in Souilly, Muese France. [8]
Pete Buttigieg South Bend IN 1982 29 101,168 2011–present Elected Mayor of South Bend, IN with 74% of the vote. Took office on Jan. 1, 2012 as the youngest mayor of a U.S. city with at least 100,000 residents.[9]
Chris Clark Mountain View CA 1983 30 77,846 2014–present Took office on January 7, 2014 as the youngest mayor in Mountain View history. [10] [11]
Tyrel Clark Eyota MN 1982 30 1,977 2012–present Elected Mayor of Eyota, Minnesota with 72.5% of the vote. Took office on Jan. 1, 2012.[12]
Charles Cockrum West City IL 1980 27 716 2008–present As the youngest mayor of West City, Illinois Cockrum was elected to the board of trustees in April 2007 receiving the highest recorded vote count in the history of the village. He served nine months before being unanimously elected by the Board of Trustees to serve the remaining term when the former mayor stepped down. He was re-elected in 2009. Cockrum also serves as a volunteer fireman for the village.
Kyle Corbin Union OR 1988 18 1,926 2006–present [13]
Terrence D. Culbreath Johnston SC 1983 32 2,470 2014–present The youngest Mayor in the state of South Carolina, also the youngest Mayor in Johnston, South Carolina history.
Matt Delligatti Fairmont WV 1986 22 19,097 2009–present On January 13, 2009 Delligatti became the youngest ever mayor of Fairmont by a five to three vote among council members. Fairmont is West Virginia's seventh largest city.[14]
Jeffrey Dunkel Mount Carbon PA 1985 18 87 2003–present [15]
Scott Faughn Poplar Bluff MO 1980 22 17,029 2002–2004 In 2005, Faughn was found guilty of forgery charges related to a highway project he promoted as mayor.[16]
Blaine Finch Ottawa KS 1977 21 12,649 1998–1999 [17]
Benjamin R. Frederick Owosso MI 1982 27 15,713 2009–present Elected to council at age 25 in 2007, elected mayor by council in November 2009, and re-elected to second term as mayor in November 2011. Has held positions in the Michigan House and Senate since the age of 19.[18]
Freddy Guerra Roma TX 1986 24 9,616 2010–present The youngest mayor in Roma, Texas history.[19]
Rusty Hammer Campbell CA 1954 21 38,138 1975–1978 When elected, Hammer was proclaimed the youngest mayor ever in the U.S.[20]
John Tyler Hammons Muskogee OK September 4, 1988 19 38,310 2008–2012 Hammons won 70 percent of the vote over the three-term former mayor, and was a freshman at the University of Oklahoma when elected.[21][22]
Charles H. Harbaugh IV Middletown VA 1987 25 1,250 2012 Charles was appointed mayor when the previous mayor stepped down. He won the following election which was a no contest election for the seat.
Mathias Harter La Crosse WI November 17, 1984 24 51,818 2009–2013 The youngest mayor in LaCrosse, Wisconsin History [23]
Gordon Hennington Hamburg AR 1934 24 3,000 1959–1962, 2003–2010 Lost re-election November 2, 2010. He was in the automobile business in the 40 years between first and second terms.
Jerrod W. Holton Midway FL 1984 23 1,444 2007–present Holton is the youngest person ever to be elected to the city council in 2007 at the age of 23. In 2008, he was selected to serve a two-year term as Mayor Pro-Tem. Due to the resignation of Mayor James Hinson, Jerrod Holton became the youngest to serve as mayor.
J. Michael Ihle Ravenswood WV 1986 25 3,876 2012–present Ihle defeated two-term Democrat Lucy J. Harbert in the May 8 election, 63-36%, following his "Ravenswood First" door-to-door campaign.
Trey A. Joy Smith Center KS June 26, 1989 19 1,600 2009–present As the youngest mayor ever elected in Kansas, Trey ran as a write-in candidate against Keith Waldron. He won the election with 64% of the vote on April 7, 2009 and took office on April 9, 2009.
Sam Juhl Roland IA 1987 18 1,324 2005–2009 In 2007 successfully ran for re-election, did not run for re-election in 2009.[24][25]
James R. Kern III Pohatcong NJ 1988 22 3,339 2011–present 22 years old when he was inaugurated on July 1, 2011 youngest municipal executive in New Jersey.[26][27]
Jason Klush Pittston PA 1976 32 8,104 2010–present Klush defeated a man twice his age (Mayor Joe Keating) in the 2009 Democratic primary.[28]
Dennis Kucinich Cleveland OH 1946 31 478,403 1977–1979 "The boy mayor of Cleveland" [29]
Marco Lopez Nogales AZ 1978 22 19,870 2000–2003 Immigrated to the United States in 1994.[30]
Seth Low Brooklyn NY 1850 31 1881–1885 After he was mayor of Brooklyn, Low became the only person to be President of Columbia University and Mayor of New York City.[31]
Shane Mack Castlewood SD 1969 18 666 1988–1996 [32]
Byron Mallott Yakutat AK 1943 22 680 1965–1966
Laura Martinez East Palo Alto CA October 12, 1984 27 29,506 2012–present Selected by East Palo Alto City Council on December 7, 2011, to serve as mayor in 2012. She served on the city council and as its vice mayor for three years. Martinez, a member of the Palo Alto High School Class of 2002, won a regional award for her community service.[33]
Art Martinez de Vara Von Ormy TX April 29, 1975 32 1,306 2008–present While a volunteer fire fighter and law student at St. Mary's University School of Law Art Martinez de Vara led the effort to incorporate his community when he was 28 years old. He was subsequently elected the town's first mayor.[34]
Derek Merrin Waterville OH 1986 21 5,500 2006–2011 At age 19, Merrin was elected to council. At 21, he defeated incumbent Mayor Chuck Peyton with 53% of the vote.
Jeremy Minnier Aredale IA 1993 18 89 2011–present Elected mayor of Aredale on November 8, 2011 with 24 write-in votes. Incumbent Mayor Virgil Homer received eight votes.
Marcus Molinaro Tivoli NY 1975 19 1,163 1995–2007 [15][35]
Alex Morse Holyoke MA 1989 22 39,838 2012–present The youngest mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts.[36] Youngest openly gay mayor to elected.[37]
Svante Myrick Ithaca NY 1987 24 30,014 2012–present The youngest mayor of Ithaca, New York.[38] The first mayor of African-American heritage for the city.[39][40] Popularly elected in city-wide general election, defeating three other candidates, winning 18 of 18 voting districts, and earning 54.9% of the total vote.[41]
Svante Myrick Ithaca NY 1987 24 30,014 2012–present The youngest mayor of Ithaca, New York.[42] The first mayor of African-American heritage for the city.[43][44] Popularly elected in city-wide general election, defeating three other candidates, winning 18 of 18 voting districts, and earning 54.9% of the total vote.[45]
Victoria Napolitano Moorestown NJ August 16, 1988 26 20,726 2015-Present First won election to Moorestown Town Council in 2012 at the age of 24. The youngest mayor of Moorestown, New Jersey, and presumed to be the youngest woman to ever take the oath of office as Mayor in New Jersey history.[46][47]
Justin Nickels Manitowoc WI 1987 22 34,670 2009–present Elected mayor of Manitowoc on April 7, 2009. Took office April 21, 2009.[48]
Freddie Odom Bluffton GA 1982 30 130 2012–present First autistic mayor in the United States.
Michael Peccon Carmichaels PA 1981 21 556 2002–2004 Joined city council at age 18 before being appointed to fill vacancy in mayor's office. Won election in 2002 with 85% of the vote.[49]
Christopher Portman Mercer PA 1982 19 2,391 2002–2005 Was elected mayor in 2001 after winning both the Republican and Democratic primaries. He was 18 at the time of his election but turned 19 before officially taking office. He resigned in 2005 before his term expired.[50]
Chester Pritchett Roseland LA First elected mayor pro-tem at the age of 21. 22 1,162 1969–1984
Rory L. Pugh Harper KS 1988 23 1,473 2011–present [51]
Romaine Robert Quinn Rice Lake WI 1991 19 8,320 2010–2012 [52]
Luke Ravenstahl Pittsburgh PA February 6, 1980 27 334,563 2006–2014 The youngest mayor of a major American city.[53] He was 26 when as City Council President, he assumed the vacant mayoral office upon the death of Bob O'Connor, his predecessor, before being elected to the position to serve out O'Connor's term the following year.
Jacob Reuter Epworth IA 1982 27 1,589 2009–present Reuter, Epworth's youngest mayor, was appointed to office on March 24, 2009.[54]
Raul L. Reyes El Cenizo TX 1983 21 3,273 2004–present Four-term mayor, the youngest in Texas history.
Ryan Reynolds Whitney Point NY 1987 28 964 2015-Present After beginning a four year career on the Village Board of Trustees at the age of 23, Ryan was elected Mayor of Whitney Point in 2015. [55]
Christopher Seeley Linesville PA September 15, 1987 18 1,155 2005–present [56]
Justin Seese Ashville PA 1990 19 279 2009–present Won Democratic primary at 18 in May 2009. Grandson of Ashville 12-year mayor Laverne Passanita.[57]
Michael Sessions Hillsdale MI September 22, 1987 18 8,233 2005–2009 [58]
Jason C. Smith Jackson MI October 10, 1982 31 33,411 2013–present [59]
Joe F. Sullivan Imboden AR 21 684 1911–1915 Sullivan was physically unable to walk, and relied on a goat-driven cart for transportation.[60]
Bruce A. Taliento Portland ME December 9, 1951 26 60,000 1978–1979 Taliento was the youngest person in Portland history voted onto the City Council at age 23. At age 26 he became the youngest mayor in Portland's history.
Philip A. Tanis Holland MI 1964 23 33,051 1987–1989 The youngest mayor in the United States at that time.
Charles Taylor Van Buren AR 1864 21 1885–? Killed a man while in office.[61]
Willie Morgan Todd Mount Juliet TN 1990 21 18,727 2012–present The youngest mayor of Mount Juliet, Tennessee and in Tennessee history. Also an accordionist.
Tye Thomas Gun Barrel City, Texas TX 1979 21 5,200 2000–2001 The youngest mayor in both Gun Barrel City and Texas histories.
Robert Tufts Dorset MN 2009 4[62] 23 2013 The Mayor of Dorset is elected by pulling a name out of a hat and giving the job to whichever resident is chosen, regardless of age.[63]
Zachary J. Vruwink Wisconsin Rapids WI 1987 24 18,367 2012–present Vruwink was elected mayor in a four-way race, garnering 69% of the vote with a voter turnout of nearly 50%.[64] Vruwink is the youngest mayor elected in Wisconsin Rapids' history.[65] He founded an tech company, ZAXX Technology Specialists, while in high school at age 15.[66]
Jason West New Paltz NY 1977 26 6,034 2003–2007 West made headlines by solemnizing same-sex marriages in New York.[67]
Olivia Webb Ellerbe NC 1984 25 1,021 2009–present The youngest mayor in North Carolina after being elected in November, 2009.
Jeremy Wilson Blossom TX 1986 24 1,487 2010–present The youngest mayor in Blossom [68]
Maile Wilson Cedar City UT 1986 27 28,857 2013–present The youngest and first female mayor of Cedar City.
Jeremy Yamaguchi Placentia CA 1989 22 50,533 2012–present
Harry Zikas, Jr. Alpha NJ 1978 21 2,482 2000–2007 The youngest mayor of Alpha and youngest mayor in New Jersey history at 21 years of age.[69]
Brian Zimmerman Crabb TX 1972[70] 11 1983–? Called the "boy mayor" by the media, Zimmerman worked to incorporate the small unincorporated town, which had a population of under 200 when he was elected. This threatened his mayorship because of Texas state law prohibiting under-18s from serving as mayor.[71][72] His story was made into a movie called Lone Star Kid.[73]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Gregory, K. (2009) "Glenville elects state's youngest female mayor". Retrieved 7/29/10.
  2. ↑ http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wamc/news.newsmain/article/0/1/1915737/WAMC.New.York.News/New.Mayor.Brings.New.Hope.To.Middleburgh
  3. ↑
  4. ↑ "She's nation's youngest female mayor: 20-year-old sets out to improve Sligo, her 700-resident town". Retrieved 7/29/10.
  5. ↑ "Adam Belz, "Palo mayor wins award for flood work" Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 28, 2008, p. 4B
  6. ↑ http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130412/news/704129926/
  7. ↑ "About Wilburton", City of Wilburton, Oklahoma. Retrieved 6/24/08.
  8. ↑ local journalist, anonymous
  9. ↑ http://southbendin.gov/government/department/mayor-pete-buttigieg
  10. ↑ http://www.mv-voice.com/news/2014/01/06/chris-clark-in-line-to-be-2014-mayor
  11. ↑ http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_24866425/chris-clark-named-mayor-mountain-view
  12. ↑ http://www.eyota.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B6A40AD6F-800F-4E67-85FB-9F663D043B20%7D/uploads/11-14-12_approved_minutes.pdf
  13. ↑ "The mayor of Union, Oregon", Retrieved 7/29/10.
  14. ↑ Panuska, M. (2009) "Delligatti Fairmont’s youngest mayor wins by 5-3 vote in fourth round of balloting." Retrieved 7/29/10.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Voting Comes Alive! TeenWire. Retrieved 11/11/07.
  16. ↑ Cassidy, CJ. "Former mayor of Poplar Bluff fined $1500 - no jail time," KFVS12. Retrieved 11/11/07.
  17. ↑ Ottawa commissioners elect 21-year-old mayor.. (n.d.) >The Free Library. (2014){http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ottawa+commissioners+elect+21-year-old+mayor.-a020547629]
  18. ↑ http://argus-press.com/news_local/article_ab098926-6fd4-5165-93d3-1b5a1a8f8624.html?cbst=98
  19. ↑ MasNoticias.net. (2010) "Freddy Guerra swears to make Roma a city of opportunities" Retrieved 11/09/10.
  20. ↑ "Ready to rebuild: New president 'Rusty' Hammer facing many challenges at troubled L.A. Chamber," People. 11/19/01. Retrieved 11/11/07.
  21. ↑ Youth trumps experience: 19-year-old wins mayoral race over former Muskogee mayor Muskogee Phoenix. May 14, 2008. Retrieved 5/14/2008.
  22. ↑ Associated Press. "U. of Okla. freshman, 19, elected mayor of Muskogee", The Olympian. May 12, 2008. Retrieved 5/12/08.
  23. ↑ http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/04/08/news/00lead.txt
  24. ↑ "High school student wins mayoral seat," November 10, 2005. Retrieved 11/11/07.
  25. ↑ "Caucusing with Iowa's Very Young Mayor". NPR. January 2, 2008. Retrieved 2011-09-13.
  26. ↑ "Twenty-somethings take N.J. political offices by storm". Star-Ledger. July 15, 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
  27. ↑ "Youngest New Jersey mayor James R. Kern III of Pohatcong sworn into office today". Warren Reporter. July 1, 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-25. James R. Kern III was sworn in today as mayor of Pohatcong Township. Kern is the youngest mayor in New Jersey at the age of 22.
  28. ↑ http://www.timesleader.com/pittstondispatch/news/Klush_to_be_youngest_mayor_ever_in_Pittston_05-24-2009.html
  29. ↑ The Plain Dealer, August 1, 1999. Our Century: 'Boy Mayor' Leads Battle Into Default by Fred McGunagle.
  30. ↑ Eppinga, J. (2002) Nogales: Life and Times on the Frontier. Arcadia Publishing. p 155.
  31. ↑ Ellis, E.R. (2004) The Epic of New York City: A Narrative History. Carroll & Graf Publishers. p 374.
  32. ↑ Hernavdez, Raymond (April 3, 1999). "Teen-Age Mayor Startled by All the Attention". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
  33. ↑ Eslinger, Bonnie (December 8, 2011). "His Town: frefighter lawyer_now_mayor_of_the_city_he_helped_incorporate". San Jose Mercury News. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 2011-12-08.
  34. ↑ Rosa, Barbara (January 1, 2011). "His Town: Firefighter/lawyer, l now Mayor of the city he helped incorporate". ABA Journal. American Bar Association. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
  35. ↑ "Assembly Member Marcus 'Marc' Molinaro (NY)", Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 11/21/08.
  36. ↑ Boston Globe. (2011) "Alex Morse, 22, elected Holyoke mayor" Retriever 11/9/11
  37. ↑ Glaad. (2011) "HOLYOKE, MASS., ELECTS AMERICA'S YOUNGEST OPENLY GAY MAYOR" Retriever 12/2/11.
  38. ↑ http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011111090342
  39. ↑ http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Ithaca-s-newest-mayor-makes-history/dF8E7JfMUEOscUsXhmJqcQ.cspx
  40. ↑ http://cornellsun.com/section/news/content/2011/11/09/myrick-%E2%80%9909-wins-mayoral-election
  41. ↑ http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/11/svante_myrick_how_a_child_of_m.html
  42. ↑ http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011111090342
  43. ↑ http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Ithaca-s-newest-mayor-makes-history/dF8E7JfMUEOscUsXhmJqcQ.cspx
  44. ↑ http://cornellsun.com/section/news/content/2011/11/09/myrick-%E2%80%9909-wins-mayoral-election
  45. ↑ http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/11/svante_myrick_how_a_child_of_m.html
  46. ↑ Bauma, Brigit. "Moorestown Township Council decides Mayor and Deputy Mayor - See more at: http://www.moorestownsun.com/2015/01/12/moorestown-township-council-decides-mayor-deputy-mayor/#sthash.QhGcdUtf.dpuf", The Moorestown Sun, January 12, 205. Accessed January 16, 2015. "On that night, Councilwoman Victoria Napolitano, at the age of 26, became the youngest Moorestown mayor, and perhaps the youngest female New Jersey mayor ever, while newly-elected Councilman Manuel Delgado became the council’s first member of Hispanic descent."
  47. ↑ McHale, Todd. "Municipal reorganizatons continue with some firsts", Burlington County Times, January 6, 2015. Accessed January 16, 2015. "Moorestown appointed the youngest mayor ever to serve in the post, and swore in the first Hispanic council member to serve on the Township Council during the annual reorganization meeting Tuesday night.By a majority vote, the Township Council appointed 26-year-old Victoria Napolitano as mayor."
  48. ↑
  49. ↑
  50. ↑
  51. ↑ http://www.lkm.org/directory/cities.php?ID=140
  52. ↑ Peterson, Megan (8 Apr 2010). "Rice Lake elects youngest mayor in city's history". WEAU News. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  53. ↑ Ravenstahl, Retrieved 11/11/07.
  54. ↑ "Michael Schmidt, "Young mayor filling 'giant pair of shoes'" Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, July 21, 2009, p. 1A
  55. ↑ Team approach guides Whitney Point's Mayor-elect", 'Pressconnects'". "Retrieved 03/31/15.
  56. ↑ Raasch, J. (2006) "Pennsylvania Young Democrats Elected to Office on Tuesday Include America's Youngest Mayor", The Tribune Online. 10 Jan 2006. Retrieved 11/11/07.
  57. ↑ "Young mayor follows grandmother's footsteps." Retrieved 7/29/10.
  58. ↑ Quintanilla, C. (2005) "Michigan town elects teen mayor: High-schooler wins write-in campaign thanks to friends at fire department", MSNBC. November 9, 2005. Retrieved 11/11/07.
  59. ↑ http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2013/11/jackson_mayoral_election_incum.html
  60. ↑ Gilliam, E.L. (1912) "Joe Sullivan", The American Magazine Crowell-Collier Publishing Company. p 543.
  61. ↑ "Youngest mayor a murderer," New York Times. September 30, 1885. Retrieved 11/11/07.
  62. ↑ CBS-Minneapolis (May 9, 2013). "Meet The World's Youngest (And Cutest) Mayor". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  63. ↑ Wilcoxen, William (May 9, 2012). "Dorset's mayor brings 4 years of life experience to the job". Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  64. ↑ http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/article/20120404/WRT010404/304040113/Zach-Vruwink-wins-Wisconsin-Rapids-mayoral-race-landslide
  65. ↑ http://www.wkow.com/story/17336976/wisconsin-rapids-elects-24-year-old-mayor-zach-vruwink
  66. ↑ http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/on-wisconsin-young-wisconsin-rapids-mayor-faces-tall-task/article_8880acd2-8b54-11e1-8647-0019bb2963f4.html
  67. ↑ Justin Silverman (2004-02-28). "N.Y. village mayor jumps into same-sex marriage fray". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
  68. ↑ Madewell, M. (2010) "Blossom residents elect youthful mayor". Retrieved 7/29/10.
  69. ↑ "Pohatcong Township Mayor-elect James Kern III's youth gives some pause, while others see promise". The Express-Times. May 22, 2011. Retrieved 2012-03-26. And next door to Pohatcong, Alpha is home to Harry Zikas Jr., who was New Jersey's youngest mayor ever when he was sworn in at age 21 in 2000, according to the Conference of Mayors.
  70. ↑ "Texas Obituaries (July 1995-July 1997)", Texas Almanac. Retrieved 6/7/08.
  71. ↑ "Boy mayor may lose if he wins campaign," The New York Times. August 10, 1985. Retrieved 5/16/08.
  72. ↑ "People", Time magazine. Retrieved 5/16/08.
  73. ↑ "Lone Star Kid", IMDB.com. Retrieved 5/16/08.