MIAMI (CBS4) - There was a history making moment in Miami Dade county. For the first time in a decade and a half, a sitting commissioner has lost his seat to a candidate promising change.

It was a night to celebrate for Jean Monestime and his legion of supporters who were with him when he was declared the winner of a Miami Dade County Commission seat for District 2.

"We came in with huge commitment and the determination to win," said Commissioner- Elect Jean Monestime from his campaign headquarters in North Miami Beach.

Island TV captured the moments after victory for the 47-year-old who beat out Miami Dade Commissioner Dorrin Rolle, becoming the first challenger to unseat a sitting county commissioner in 16 years. Monestime credits his volunteers.

"I am so grateful. I wish there were better words to say how grateful I am," said Monestime to CBS4's Jorge Estevez.

Monestime, former North Miami city councilman, collected less than one-fourth of Rolle's campaign funds and still won by several points. The outcome showed voters' unhappiness with conditions in District 2 -- encompassing much of Liberty City, Opa-locka and North Miami.

"People were determined to fight for change," said Monestime.

Rolle's downfall may have come by ethics controversies and fines related to the misuse of power. Also under Rolle, District 2 saw little economic development. So how does the commission's first Haitian American plan to represent his entire district?

"At the end of the day, when there is crime or unemployment, it doesn't only affect Haitian Americans. It affects everybody. We have to represent everybody. We will represent everybody," said Monestime.

We reached out to Dorrin Rolle who declined our offer for an interview, but did say the voters had spoken.