Hundreds turned out to witness history as Renard Johnson was sworn in as El Paso’s first Black mayor.
“Today marks a new chapter for our city,” Johnson said at the end of the night. “A day to reflect on where we have been, celebrate where we are and look forward with hope and determination where we are headed.”
The nearly packed-house event took place at the Plaza Theatre in Downtown El Paso Monday, Jan. 6, before a host of El Paso residents, elected officials and political powerbrokers who watched as Johnson and six other El Paso City Council members took the oath of office.
El Paso mayor Renard Johnson is sworn in by El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego at the El Paso Plaza Theater on Jan. 6, 2024. Mayor Johnson was accompanied by his two daughters.
The ceremony came only hours after former Mayor Oscar Leeser delivered his final words from City Hall.
City Reps. Art Fierro and Chris Canales were on hand to welcome their newest City Council colleagues, as were city leaders like City Manager Dionne Mack, City Chief Financial Officer Robert Cortinas and Deputy City Manager Mario D’Agostino.
The mayor and city council members from left, Renard U. Johnson, Alejandra Chávez, Josh Acevedo, Deanna Maldonado Rocha, Cynthia Boyar Trejo, Ivan Niño and Lily Limón pray during their investiture ceremony at the El Paso Plaza Theater on Jan. 6, 2024.
After a brief introduction, Johnson and the six City Council members — Alejandra Chavez in District 1, Josh Acevedo in District 2, Deanna Maldonado-Rocha in District 3, Cynthia Boyar Trejo in District 4, Ivan Niño in District 5 and Lily Limón in District 7 — each took turns being sworn into office.
Each swore to “faithfully execute the duties” of their respective offices and to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States” and Texas.
Josh Acevedo is sworn in as council member for District 2 during an investiture ceremony at the El Paso Plaza Theater
Additionally, each swore that they “have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, or promised to pay, contributed nor promised to contribute, any money or valuable thing, or promised any public office or employment and reward for giving or withholding a vote” when they were elected. They also vowed to not be “indebted to the city of El Paso in any sum whatsoever.”
The mayor and new City Council members will officially begin their terms during the first City Council meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
“Together, we will tackle the challenges that lie ahead and make our city a better place to live,” Johnson said. “We are a city of diversity and unity, innovation, tradition, resilience and ambition. And it is these qualities that will guide us as we forge a path toward a brighter future.”
Alejandra Chavez, council member for District 1, is sworn in as a newly elected council member at the El Paso Plaza Theater on Jan. 6, 2024.
Along with the newest city leaders, municipal judges — Municipal Court Judges Michelle Moral, Kristin Romero, David A. Bonilla, Samuel Flores and Mike Herrera — were also sworn into office.
Court of Appeals Judge Maria B. Ramirez will be sworn in later.
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Mayor Renard Johnson, City Council sworn in at Plaza Theatre