Lewisburg City Councilmember Beverly White officially announced that she is running for mayor of Lewisburg at a Citizen’s Party nomination event held Monday, Mar. 4.

White has been on the Lewisburg City Council for 16 years, and was first, and currently the only, female African-American to serve. If elected, she will be the first African-American mayor of Lewisburg.

“It is just a real honor to be nominated, and to know that that kind of trust and respect is given to me,” said White. “I’m humbled that I have the support of so many people, and John [Manchester] has been in my corner wanting me to do this.”

When asked what her main focus would be for Lewisburg’s future, White responded, “I would like to see us continue to be as diverse as we are and continue to see downtown blossom and grow. The fire house and water plant are two major things we keep in the forefront. I just want us to continue to be the city that we are, where the citizens feel safe being here.”

“I’m excited that Councilmember White has decided to run for mayor,” said Manchester. “We have served together for 16 years on the Lewisburg City Council, and I believe she is extremely qualified to carry on the work we have in the mix, and to build on the progress the city has made over that time period.”

White will be running against People’s Party candidate Mark Carver, a former director of the public works department.

This election cycle, three council member seats are up for election. Joseph Lutz will not be running for reelection, and with White’s mayoral nomination another council seat would be vacant. Aaron Seams will be running on the Citizen’s Party ticket to fulfill two years of a term left by Kim Morgan Dean, and the People’s Party candidate for the seat is Donald Taylor. The Citizen’s Party nominated Sarah Elkins and Ed Johns for the remaining two openings, while the People’s Party submitted Thomas Shannon and Martha Hilton.

The nonpartisan election will be held June 11, 2019.