US election: Charlotte just elected its first black mayor

'You’ve proven we are a city of opportunity and inclusiveness,' says Democrat Vi Lyles

Vi Lyles previously served as Charlotte's city manager (Facebook)

Charlotte has elected its first black female mayor, a year after the fatal police shooting of an African-American man prompted mass protests in the city.

After votes in 95 per cent of precincts were counted, Democrat Vi Lyles won with 58 per cent of the vote, compared to her Republican opponent Kenny Smith's 41 per cent.

"With this opportunity you’ve given me, you’ve proven that we are a city of opportunity and inclusiveness,” Ms Lyles said in a speech, according to the Charlotte Observer.

“You’ve proven that a woman whose father didn’t graduate from high school can become this city’s first female African-American mayor.”

Ms Lyles previously served as Charlotte's city manager.

She ran a campaign based on promoting economic and social justice, vowing to raise the minimum wage to $15 (£11.40) and improve citizens' relationship with the police.

Demonstrators last year took to Charlotte's streets to protest the police killing of 43-year-old Keith Lamont Scott. Investigators said Mr Lamont appeared to be armed and no charges were brought against the officer who shot him.

The first statewide elections in the US since Donald Trump entered the White House brought in a number of victories for the Democrats.

In Virginia, Ralph Northam defeated Republican Ed Gillespie following an election campaign marked with clashes over immigration and Confederate statues. Virginia voters also elected their first openly transgender state legislator.

Meanwhile, Democrat Phil Murphy beat Kim Guadagno to become New Jersey governor and New York City's Democrat mayor was re-elected.

The results are thought to be an early bellwether of the outcome of next next year's midterm congressional elections.