History Made: Crystal Davis Elected Plymouth’s First Black Female Mayor

Crystal Davis’s election as Plymouth’s first Black female mayor marks a historic turning point for a town once shaped by slavery and struggle.

PLYMOUTH, NORTH CAROLINA — A new chapter in Eastern Carolina history was written Tuesday night when Crystal Davis became the first Black woman ever elected mayor of Plymouth, unseating incumbent Brian Roth in a hard-fought three-way race.

According to election results, Davis secured 364 votes, beating Roth’s 301 and challenger Mark Sexton’s173. Her victory didn’t just mark a win at the polls — it marked a shift in power for a small town ready for something new.

“We know that it’s a shift in power, so we want to move from what is typical and shift back to regular people,” Davis told WITN News.

The energy was electric at Casa Garcia Mexican Restaurant, where Davis’ supporters gathered to celebrate the historic win. Plymouth Council-member Donsenia Teel also praised Davis, saying she will bring “energy, knowledge, power, and youthfulness” to the role.

Before her election as mayor, Davis served on the Plymouth Town Council, where she helped drive growth by attracting new businesses to the area, helping build a new playground for families, securing department raises across town services and so much more.

Davis said her approach has always been about the people.

“We just work diligently around the clock for the people, and those are things that haven’t been done in 20 years,” she said. “The best is yet to come. The best is yet to come.”

“PLYMOUTH WON”

Davis made it clear that her victory wasn’t just hers — it was the community’s.

“I couldn’t have done it without the voters,” she said. “So I didn’t win — Plymouth won.”

Davis officially takes office in December, ushering in a new era for the town.