Baller that Elevated His Game: Kevin Johnson Made History Last Night too! FIrst Black Mayor of Sacremento

Kevin Johnson has become the first African-American mayor in Sacramento’s history.

Johnson, a former NBA star, has 58 percent of the vote to Fargo’s 42 percent with all precincts reporting.

“Sacramento also made history today in electing the first African-American for mayor,” Johnson said during his victory speech at Zocalo restaurant in midtown Sacramento. “You have put me in office, we will put the mudslinging aside … let’s talk about real issues to move this city forward.”

Some of Johnson’s supporters joined him onstage, including Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy and Councilmen Steve Cohn and Robbie Waters.

Incumbent Heather Fargo conceded shortly after Johnson’s speech, and said she tried to reach him before he began his speech. She congratulated him on TV.

Fargo, who seemed wistful about the outcome, said Sacramento has become more cosmopolitan and sophisticated.

“It’s certainly been an incredibly wonderful experience for me. And frankly, I think I’ve been very good for Sacramento,” Fargo said. “I hope you will join me in trying to help make the transition for Mayor Kevin Johnson when he takes over at the end of the month.”

Johnson thanked Fargo for her 20 years of dedication and service to the city.

“Tomorrow ushers in a new government in the city of Sacramento,” Johnson said.

The mayor-elect then invited Louis Joya on stage, a City Hall guard who allowed Johnson to take a tour of the facility two weeks ago, and thanked him for his good customer service.

Precincts that were favoring Johnson on Tuesday night include Sagamore Way in the Pocket, Natomas High School, The Club at Natomas, Hagginwood Elementary and Charles E. Mack Elementary. The Bible Chapel and Greenfair Community precincts were favoring Fargo.

On election night in the June primary, Johnson was leading Fargo by 47 percent to 40 percent.

The mayor’s race began with seven candidates and was whittled down to two after the primary.

Johnson played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns during his NBA career.

He also founded the St. HOPE Academy in Sacramento, a nonprofit that runs Sacramento Charter High School.

Johnson relinquished his role as CEO of St. HOPE during the mayoral campaign.

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