Nashville voters elected Megan Barry as the first woman mayor Thursday after a runoff against David Fox.

“Tonight, we started a new chapter for Nashville,” Barry said, according to The Tennessean, thanking her supporters, voters and the city of Nashville in her acceptance speech. “Today, you went to the polls, and you elected the first woman mayor.”

Barry was seen as the far-left liberal in the race. She took a more liberal approach on economic issues and believed that Nashville should spend more money on its roads and other forms of transportation, claiming that Nashville is growing and therefore needs more transportation available.

“A city that thrives is a city that moves,” Barry said.

She was also more vocal on social issues, especially in regards to homosexuality.

Fox was more of a conservative-moderate throughout the election. He focused primarily on conservative economic issues, specifically reducing taxes and debt.

He also focused on his plans to be tough on crime, something Barry discussed but did not emphasize.

The growth of Nashville and the economy are two issues likely to affect students, as several alumni remain in the Nashville area after graduation.

“It is important because most likely whoever gets elected is going to be in office for eight years,” professor of political science Dr. Marc Schwerdt said, adding that the new mayor will bring about important change for the alumni that stay in the city.

Additionally, if the economic systems and facilities are not taken care of, traffic could slow down the commute for professors and off-campus students.

“I’m expecting Megan Barry to keep in check with social-community issues that breach any standard of life,” sophomore international business major Jared Goddard said. “I’m also expecting her to genuinely care about this city and show it through her hard work and determination.”