Tekesha Martinez, Hagerstown’s First Black Mayor

Tekesha Martinez, Hagerstown’s First Black Mayor

During a special session and by a unanimous vote of the City Council on February 7, 2023, Tekesha Martinez was appointed the first African-American mayor of the City of Hagerstown (Washington County), Maryland. She succeeds Emily Keller who resigned the office to serve as Maryland Special Secretary of Opioid Response for newly elected Governor Wes Moore. Keller had also become the first woman to serve as Mayor in the city’s history.

Martinez was a first term councilwoman having been elected to the Hagerstown City Council in November 2020. She, as well who is ever appointed to replace her on the city council, will serve through November 2024 when a new election will be held.

Photograph courtesy of the City of Hagerstown, Maryland