The White House is congratulating voters in the city of London for electing a Muslim mayor.

“This is obviously an historic development for an historic city,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said to reporters this afternoon when asked for a reaction to the news.

Sadiq Khan, 45, becomes the most prominent Muslim politician in Europe after being elected mayor.

Earnest pointed out that the political debate in London had become “charged,” but that the people had spoken.

“This outcome has obviously reflects the the will of the people of London and I certainly wouldn’t second guess them from here,” he said. “But there’s no denying the historical significance of Mr. Khan’s election.”