Michelle Weiss was elected mayor of University Heights, Ohio - becoming the first ultra-Orthodox woman to serve as mayor in the United States.
Weiss, a Republican who has lived there for 28 years, won the race in the Democratic suburb of Cleveland thanks to a campaign that focused on bipartisanship and bridge-building.
Weiss, an accountant by profession and with a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's degree in business administration, has served on the city council for 15 years, and has served as deputy mayor for the past six years.
For a living, she works as the VP of Finance for the largest Jewish day school in the state of Ohio.
Weiss' campaign. Photo: micheleweiss4uh
A Haredim 10 reporter notes that her victory marks a precedent in Orthodox Jewish political representation in the United States, as she is the first Haredi woman to hold the position of mayor.
Weiss, a mother of three children and grandmother of grandchildren, said in the campaign: "I love University Heights. My husband and I raised our children here and now watch our grandchildren grow up here. I feel a debt of gratitude to the city and a commitment to making a difference.".
Weiss built her campaign on a reputation for being willing to "reach out to the other side" for a common cause. She pledged to focus on improving infrastructure, promoting commercial revitalization and helping longtime residents.
She will be sworn into office on January 1, 2026.
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