Young. Confident. Experienced.
Those are three words that describe 37 year-old Mattie Parker, Fort Worth's newest mayor.
"I've had 17 years of experience in public service," says Parker. "Most recently I served as chief of staff for Mayor Price and the city council, which allows me to hit the ground running."
Parker will succeed Betsy Price, who opted not to run for a record-extending sixth two-year term.
Parker outpolled Deborah Peoples 54% to 46% to earn the victory.
At 37, Parker will become the youngest mayor in Fort Worth's history. She's also the youngest mayor of a major U.S. city.
"What an honor it is for my (Millennial) generation," says Parker. "I like that distinction, I'm ready for that, I'm more than prepared to take on the challenges and exciting things that are going to happen."
"My generation is ready to lead."
Parker pointed out that she takes over the lead role at a great time for Fort Worth. The pandemic is winding down, and the city continues to grow. Fort Worth was recently officially bumped up to the 12th largest city in the nation with a population of 927,720.
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"It's go time in Fort Worth," says Parker. "Let's show the world what we can do together. We've kind of been this sleepy city for a long time. I think the perception has been: 'Who is Fort Worth?' And think we are coming out of (the pandemic) in a really strong way."
But she wants to make sure that no one gets left behind, at a time where Fort Worth and Tarrant County are becoming more and more politically and ethnically diverse.
"It's important to focus our efforts across the entire city," Peoples says. "It's my job to reach across every sector of our community and say: 'How are we going to be better together?'"
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