A woman in Salem County made history New Year’ Day when she was sworn in as mayor, along with other newly elected officials in Penns Grove.

Thomas' predecessor, Democrat John Washington, served as mayor for the past 15 years.

Thomas won the 2019 election as an independent.

"I want people to know that I’m ambitious, I’m honest and I’m a fighter,” said Thomas. “And the same passion that I had while I was running has been amplified by 10 now."

Thomas also marked a milestone as the first African American female to hold the title of mayor in the borough's 125-year history.

“…To know that I’m the first African American female to elected as mayor and all of Salem County, New Jersey, it's just incredible to me,” she says.

Thomas says her first motion as mayor is to bring about new development, address abandoned properties and fix the streets.

Two council members, Mike Bercute and Carol Mincey were also sworn in.