Updated at 6:15 p.m. with quotes from the new mayor.
For the first time in its 130-year history as a city, Mansfield elected its first-ever Black mayor Tuesday.
Bethlehem Baptist Church Pastor and former Mansfield school board trustee Dr. Michael Evans, Sr. won the runoff election with nearly 54% of the vote, according to the city's website.
Brent Newsom received 46% of the vote. He currently serves on the City Council.
Evans and Newsom received the most votes in the Nov. 3 general election, although neither had more than 50% of the vote, officials said.
The runoff race was a special election after Mayor David Cook resigned to run for the Texas House seat vacated by Rep. Bill Zedler, according to city officials.
Prior to running for mayor, Evans served as a commissioned officer and reserve chaplain in the United States Navy.
Evans describes himself as a passionate community advocate, as he is a member of several boards in North Texas.
He has also founded several organizations including the Historic West Mansfield Texas Community Development Corporation, Hope House Community Service Network, and Bethlehem Baptist Church Educational Enrichment Corporation.
"I was taught then when are planted in a given community that you should leave it better off than when you arrived," Evans told WFAA explaining why he chose to run for mayor and has served as president of the Mansfield ISD School Board and on the Tarrant County College Board of Trustees.
"All of us are where we are because we are standing on the shoulders of generations that have come before us, period. To me I did not want to squander their legacy. And I really mean that."
As for being the city's first Black mayor, he says it was something he never really thought about when he decided to run.
"I do honestly believe I was chosen to be the mayor of this great city because of the relationships that have been developed over the years and because people know that Michael Evans serves, loves people, no matter who you are. No matter where you come from," he said.
Evans will be sworn in at the Jan. 11 City Council meeting.