MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa [WHO-TV] – History was made in Marshalltown after a Latina was elected to city council for the first time ever. WHO-TV reports Political newcomer, Melisa Fonseca, is now the Fourth Ward Councilperson after being voted-in during a special election in late July.

Fonseca was born and raised in Marshalltown, but this election isn’t her first time breaking barriers. In 2019, she became the city’s first Latina real estate broker. She runs her business in both English and Spanish to better communicate with the community. She decided to also run a bilingual campaign.

Fonseca said she never planned to take part in city government, but that changed when the opportunity became available. Longtime Fourth Ward City Counselor Al Hoop passed away in March, after he was elected to his fifth term in late December. She declared her campaign early and immediately started connecting with constituents through campaign events and volunteer initiatives. She defeated her opponent, Mark Eaton, with after obtaining around 56% of the votes.

She said her involvement in the Marshalltown City Council showcases the city’s diversity. Marshalltown’s population is around 30% diverse, or non-White, and close to 50% female. Fonseca says her goal is to encourage more people to get involved with local politics.