Quentin Hart's tenure as Waterloo, Iowa's first African American Mayor ends after a decade in office

Mayor Hart/Photo via (Facebook)

Mayor Quentin Hart's tenure as Waterloo, Iowa's first African American Mayor, has concluded after a decade of service to the community.

Following a runoff election on December 2nd, he was succeeded by the new Mayor-elect Dave Boesen, a city councilman.

Mayor Hart is a native of Waterloo and graduated from East High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Minnesota State University and a Master of Arts in Higher Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Before his mayorship, he worked at Hawkeye Community College and was a Waterloo councilman.

Hart's initial election was a historic achievement for the city of Waterloo, where approximately 17 percent of the nearly 70,000 residents are Black. The community viewed Hart as a candidate who offered a fresh perspective on local government.

'My Waterloo Days' (2025)

While many citizens viewed the Mayor of Waterloo as a visible, approachable, and actively engaged leader, he was also the target of numerous public disputes over city affairs, even on social media.

Yet, a healthy part of the Waterloo community and voters have expressed their appreciation for his public service. One community member shared her gratitude for his support with a Cancer-treatment initiative. She stated, “Two and a half years ago I called Mayor Hart to request help on how to establish a foundation helping underserved cancer patients in Black Hawk County. He met with me the next day and led me to the Waterloo Community Foundation where I now have a fund: Accessing Cancer Treatment. Without Mayor Hart's guidance, this would not have been possible. He has continued supporting me and shows genuine care and concern. Mayor Hart is a great leader who cares about the citizens of Waterloo.”

Photo (Facebook)

A Waterloo native, Kristin Stanford endorsed his re-election by stating, "I am supporting Mayor Hart for reelection because our community benefits from his vision for business growth, investment in infrastructure, and empowerment for our diverse community."

JaNeece Hodge commended his efforts, stating, "I want to take a moment to acknowledge and congratulate Mayor Quentin Hart for his leadership, his commitment, and the work he has poured into the city of Waterloo!... She continued, Mr. Hart, 10 years as mayor is a historic accomplishment. You are respected nationally, not just locally. Sometimes God closes a chapter not out of punishment, but because bigger opportunities are calling. Comfort zones end where purpose begins."

His wife, Principal Cassandra Hart, shared a beautiful tribute on social media. She wrote, "To my husband, the honorable Mayor Quentin Hart. Today, I want to honor the man you are. For nearly 20 years, you have stood in the political eye with unwavering integrity, courage, and a deep love for the City of Waterloo. You have served with a heart after God, a steady hand, and a spirit that never wavered, no matter the season.

We may be stepping out of one chapter, but I know this: we stand on God’s Word and His promises. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7) And by faith, we move forward trusting that God is still writing something powerful with your life.

You have given this city your prayers, your time, your vision, and your heart. I’ve watched you lead with humility, compassion, strength, and grace. You showed our community what true leadership looks like, not a title, but a calling, Not a position, but a purpose!!! You are the definition of resilience. The definition of service. The definition of a man rooted in faith. I’ve seen you pour out everything God placed in you, and Waterloo is better because of it.

As we step into this next chapter, know that I am proud of you. I honor you. I believe in you!! I thank God for the privilege of walking this journey by your side. Please know that we are covered, we are prayed for, and we are held by God’s mighty hand. WE WILL BE ALRIGHT!

I love you, and I am grateful for the man you are.

Here’s to the future God has already prepared.

Sincerely, your loving wife,

Cassandra , Your First Lady for Life

Mayor Hart was one of the longest-serving Mayors of Waterloo. He thanked the community for its “love, support, and trust” throughout his time in office. He continued by expressing his continued appreciation to God for enabling him to serve the community for this length of time.

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