39-year-old Lily Wu, a political novice and an immigrant from Guatemala, was just elected mayor of Wichita, Kansas, becoming the first Asian-American mayor in the city’s 153-year history. She arrived in the United States from Guatemala at the age of eight and became the first member of her family to attend college, graduating from Wichita State University with degrees in international business and marketing. Wu has worked as a local television reporter for the past 12 years, inspired by the fact that she learned English by watching the news. In her first political endeavor, Wu defeated incumbent Mayor Brandon Whipple and delivered her victory speech emphasizing the need for a more responsible government.
She has faced criticism from the Kansas Libertarian Party for her plan to hire more police in Wichita. The state party tweeted that she is not associated with them, despite being a registered Libertarian. Wu responded by stating that she chose to become a registered Libertarian because it reflects her personal beliefs and the freedoms of America.
Wu spoke about her independent voice representing the people of Wichita and her plans to focus on core services, including public safety, economic growth, and restoring trust in city hall. She emphasized the importance of coming together as a community to address economic opportunities and bring local government, education, and the business sector together to provide jobs and a talent pipeline for Wichita. Wu also aims to build strong relationships between the mayor’s office, police department, and the community to improve public safety.
Wu’s background as an immigrant and a child of immigrants has influenced her gratitude for the opportunities America has provided. She is committed to representing all communities in the city and believes in empowering the individual and limited government. She also emphasizes the importance of accountability and trust in city hall and law enforcement.