Michele Weiss, a Republican, made history by becoming the first female Orthodox Jewish mayor in United States history.

Weiss was elected mayor of University Heights, Ohio, a Democratic suburb of Cleveland.

According to Israel National News, Weiss focused her campaign on “bipartisanship and bridge-building.”

She has reportedly built a reputation for fiscal responsibility and bipartisan cooperation in over a decade on the city council.

Ynetnews shared more:

Weiss, a mother and grandmother who has lived in University Heights for 28 years, will take office in January after rising from volunteer work with the League of Women Voters to vice mayor, championing environmental sustainability and municipal infrastructure along the way.

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In an interview in the ynet Studio, Weiss said she felt humbled by the historic nature of her victory but emphasized that making history was not her primary motivation.

“I didn’t when I started this, it wasn’t to be the first Orthodox woman mayor, but it’s a special opportunity,” she said. “I’m very humbled.”

Weiss said the timing of her mayoral run was influenced by her family situation, noting that serving in elected office with younger children would have been extremely difficult and time-consuming.

“We are actually a very diverse city. We have 17 ethnicities that live in 1.8 square miles,” Weiss said.

“Diversity is huge in University Heights,” she added.

Footage below:

Israel National News provided further info:

She served on the city council for 15 years and as deputy mayor for the past six. Her victory marks a milestone in Orthodox Jewish political representation in the US – no other orthodox Jewish woman is known to have held a similar position.

“I love University Heights – my husband and I raised our children here and now watch our grandchildren grow,” Weiss said at the launch of her campaign. “I feel a debt of gratitude to the city and a commitment to make a difference.”

Weiss built her campaign on a reputation for being willing to “reach across the aisle” to find common ground. She pledged to focus on improving infrastructure, advancing commercial revitalization, and supporting longtime residents. Weiss will be sworn in on January 1, 2026.

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