Palm Springs has elected the city's first black openly gay mayor.

Long time democratic City Councilman Ron Oden walked away with 51 percent of the vote to Incumbent Republican Will Kleindienst's 43 percent.

Kleindienst had faced tough opposition from Palm Springs' gay community during his term as he fought to rid the city of the annual White Party. He had said illegal drug use was a growing problem at the event. Many in the gay community saw the attempt as "homophobia."

Oden takes over in a city in which only two percent of the population is African-American.

Oden, an ordained minister, will take over the Mayor's office in 21 days once the election is certified.