The mayor of a small town in Texas has become the first transgender elected official in the state's history, local media report.

Jess Herbst, who became mayor of New Hope last May, made the announcement in an open letter to the town's residents.

"As your Mayor I must tell you about something that has been with me since my earliest memories. I am Transgender," she wrote.

Ms Herbst was appointed mayor following the death of her predecessor.

She had previously been elected to the Town Council as an alderman and road commissioner, according to her statement on the New Hope website.

"I know that transgender people are just coming to light in our society, and we have made great strides in the last few years," she said.

"My daughters have been adamant supporters of me and are proud to tell people their father is transgender," she added.