HOPE MILLS, N.C. -- The town of Hope Mills made history in two ways after November's 2019 election.

Neighbors elected Kenjuana McCray as town commissioner -- the first African-American woman on the board. She was also able to receive more votes than any other candidate -- making her mayor pro tem.

McCray will sit alongside the town's only female mayor, Jackie Warner. It's the first time the town has had two women as town leaders.

McCray had an unsuccessful run in 2017, but this time she received 70% more votes during the election.

"It's humbling and I think it took me about a day or two to make it feel like it was real," McCray said. "I still catch myself just crying. Randomly crying because I'm proud. I'm proud of the people of Hope Mills."

McCray will be officially sworn in on December 2.