(WASHINGTON, D.C.)  – Following Tuesday’s midterm elections, the African American Mayors Association (AAMA), representing more than 500 Black mayors nationwide, today congratulated newly elected and returning leaders who won last night.

In what appears to be a wave election of historic proportions, Americans clearly sent a message that they were fed up with corrupt, wasteful, and self-serving leadership in Trump’s Washington that didn’t address their very real needs in their everyday lives. Now, they’ll equally be looking for what those in power will do with this opportunity to lead, govern, invest, and deliver results for the people who need them most. AAMA and Black mayors around the country are perfectly poised to shape that leadership in this moment, as the ones already responsible for most directly impacting their residents’ lives from coast to coast.

Tuesday’s midterm elections brought sweeping Democratic victories across the country, with the party winning control of both chambers of Congress and Black municipal leaders securing important victories of their own. Among the notable mayoral wins were the reelection of former AAMA President and Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. to a third term; the election of Janeese Lewis George as Washington, D.C.’s next mayor; the reelection of Clarence Vappie in Baldwin, Louisiana; and the reelection of Newport News, Virginia, Mayor Phillip Jones. With additional mayoral results still being finalized, these victories underscore the strength and importance of Black municipal leadership at a pivotal moment for the nation. As new leadership prepares to take office in Washington, AAMA is calling for a renewed federal partnership that recognizes the critical role of Black mayors and provides the resources necessary to build on proven progress in public safety, affordable housing, economic development and neighborhood revitalization.

As the nation prepares for a new Congress, AAMA will be taking steps to ensure that elected officials  from both parties recognize the essential role of Black mayors in advancing public safety, affordable housing, economic opportunity and stronger communities. From reducing violent crime to revitalizing neighborhoods and expanding access to opportunity, African American mayors are demonstrating that effective, community-centered leadership delivers measurable results.

“The takeaway from this election is clear: Americans  want tangible results that actually make our lives and our communities better. And there is an incredible opportunity right now to invest in and partner with  the leaders already doing the work and delivering at the local level,” said Baltimore Mayor and AAMA President Brandon M. Scott. “Across our country, Black mayors are a model for national leaders. We are reducing crime, investing in our neighborhoods, and creating opportunities by working with those we serve. But solving America’s most pressing challenges can’t happen without willingness, support, and partnership. We’ve been on the cutting-edge of this work, identifying solutions that work; and now we need Congress to invest in them.”

The work to drive this change can start right now. AAMA continues to urge the current Congress to act before the end of the legislative session to advance a full-year Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations package that protects critical federal investments in public safety, housing, infrastructure, transportation and environmental resilience. In its recent FY27 Appropriations Letter to congressional leadership, the association warned that funding disruptions, delayed federal disbursements and uncertainty undermine cities’ ability to plan, implement programs and deliver essential services.

AAMA is also calling for federal agencies to accelerate the distribution of appropriated funds, reduce unnecessary administrative barriers and give municipalities greater flexibility to respond to local needs.

“Black mayors are on the frontlines of American democracy, turning policy into real progress in people’s lives,” said Phyllis Dickerson, CEO of AAMA. “This election presents an opportunity to chart a new course for our country, and African American mayors are uniquely positioned to help lead the way. We know what works because we’re already doing the work in our communities. Now we’re ready to bring that experience, expertise and proven leadership to Washington, helping shape a national agenda that delivers meaningful results for American families. Our mayors aren’t simply looking for a seat at the table. We’re ready to help set the agenda and build the partnerships necessary to move this country forward.”

For Democratic leaders in particular, the election presents an opportunity to build a governing agenda informed by the experience and proven results of Black mayors. Capitalizing on Tuesday’s victories will require sustained investment, meaningful collaboration and elevating the voices of local leaders who understand firsthand what it takes to deliver for American families.To that end, as the 120th Congress prepares to take office, AAMA will outline an ambitious  federal agenda that seizes this moment, addresses the core issues impacting Americans, and lays out a proactive vision for the future of the country under Democratic leadership, by prioritizing:

• Mayoral leadership in shaping the national agenda: Partner directly with African American mayors to develop federal legislation, funding priorities and programs, drawing on their proven experience and local expertise to shape policies that deliver results for communities across the country.
• Housing affordability and community development: Expand affordable housing, preserve existing housing, strengthen homeownership opportunities, prevent homelessness and invest in locally driven neighborhood revitalization.
• Reliable and accessible federal funding: Protect FY27 appropriations, accelerate the distribution of federal funds, simplify grant applications and reporting requirements, reverse Trump-era funding interruptions, and ensure smaller and under-resourced municipalities can access critical investments.
• Infrastructure and transportation: Sustain investments in roads, bridges, transit, broadband and water systems, while giving cities flexibility to maintain existing infrastructure and address locally identified needs.
• Public safety and accountability: Support proven community violence intervention strategies, effective and accountable policing, behavioral health crisis response, and recruitment and retention of first responders.
• Economic opportunity and wealth building: Expand workforce development, small-business support and access to capital while addressing persistent racial disparities in income, business ownership and economic opportunity.
• Energy affordability and environmental protection: Help cities meet growing energy demands, strengthen grid reliability, protect residents from rising utility costs and address water contamination and disproportionate environmental burdens.
• Civil rights and local decision-making: Protect voting rights, fair housing and civil rights enforcement; advance humane immigration enforcement that respects due process and human dignity; and preserve local leaders’ ability to respond effectively to the needs of their communities.

The association also thanked voters, election officials, poll workers and volunteers for their participation in the democratic process and emphasized the importance of ensuring that every lawfully cast ballot is counted and election workers can complete their responsibilities safely.

“Elections determine who holds office. But what happens next determines whether families can afford a home, whether neighborhoods are safe, and whether our children have opportunities to succeed. Our communities will judge those of us in office for what we now do with the hard-fought victories we just won and what kind of vision for the future we lay out,” Scott added. “Our mayors are ready to work with anyone committed to moving our communities forward. But we know better than anyone that real progress doesn’t come from campaign promises and that the hardest work often starts the day after Election Day. Let’s get to it.”

AAMA stands ready to work with the incoming Congress and the administration to advance policies that strengthen cities, protect residents and build lasting economic opportunities.

America’s Black mayors are already delivering for their communities, and they will be front and center in ensuring that Washington is ready to deliver on their mandate too.