Photo credit: AP
It's official! London Breed, president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, has claimed victory as the city's next mayor.
On Wednesday, former state Senator Mark Leno, conceded the mayoral race to Breed, which now makes her the first African American woman to be elected mayor of San Francisco. As of today, she had a 2,177-vote advantage over Leno.
"It's really amazing, and it's really an honor... I know it means so much to so many people," CNN reported Breed saying of her historic win.
Raised by her grandmother in the city's public housing, Breed took the time to reflect on her humble beginnings during her news conference, expressing: "I'm a native San Franciscan -- I grew up in some of the most challenging of circumstances. I think the message that this sends to the next generation of young people growing up in this city, that no matter where you come from... you can do anything you want to do."
Before Breed became president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, she served as the executive director of the African American Art and Culture Complex for over ten years.
The city's special mayoral election followed the unexpected death of Ed Lee in December. Breed will now finish the term of the late mayor and serve in the role until 2020.
"I am so hopeful about the future of our city, and I am looking forward to serving as your mayor. I am truly humbled and I am truly honored," Breed said.