It's Official: Rita Ali Makes History As First African American To Become Mayor Of Peoria Illinois

Rita Ali is officially Peoria's Mayor-elect, weeks after Election night came and passed.

The Peoria County Election Commission certified the results of the tight contest on Wednesday. Ali finished just 43 votes ahead of her opponent, Jim Montelongo.

Ali is the first woman and first African American to become Peoria's mayor in the city's history. Ali and other newly elected or re-elected officials will be sworn in on May 4.