On Tuesday’s big election night, while Republicans nationwide struggled, the Libertarian Party achieved one of its greatest-ever victories when Lily Wu was chosen to lead Wichita, Kansas.
Wu defeated Democratic incumbent Brandon Whipple by a margin of 35,859 to 25,557 votes.
The party, which was founded in 1971 and is in favor of civil freedoms and laissez-faire economics, is currently the third-largest in the US in terms of voter registration.
Based on the most recent census statistics available, Wichita is now the largest city represented by a Libertarian, with a population of about 400,000.
With 40,000 residents, Cedar Falls, Iowa, is the second-largest city headed by Libertarians.
Wu will be the first person of Asian origin to assume the position and the second woman to win a mayoralty in a citywide election.
When Whipple’s tenure expires in January, Wu will assume leadership.
On her campaign website, Wu states that reestablishing public trust in city hall and public safety are her main concerns.
“Our win last night wasn’t a victory for a political party — it was a victory for Wichita. Our community spoke loud and clear. They want a solution to our police staffing crisis, fiscal accountability, and a local government correctly focused on its appropriate and limited role in their daily lives. Last night was a mandate for change and I look forward to working with the City Council to deliver these results for the people of Wichita.” Wu said in a statement to Newsweek after news of her victory broke.
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