Michele Weiss has been elected mayor of University Heights, Ohio, becoming what appears to be the first Orthodox Jewish woman ever chosen to lead a city in the United States.

A veteran councilmember and Republican, Weiss achieved a historic victory in the predominantly Democratic Cleveland suburb through a campaign centered on unity and cooperation across political lines.

Weiss, who has served on the City Council for 15 years and as vice mayor for six, declared victory Tuesday night following a hard-fought race.