PHOTOS: El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, new city representatives sworn into office
Renard Johnson was sworn in as El Paso mayor Monday alongside six city representatives and a handful of municipal court judges during a ceremony at the Plaza Theatre in Downtown.
“Today marks a new chapter for our city, a day to reflect on where we have been, celebrate where we are, and to look forward with hope and determination where we are headed,” said Johnson, the city’s first Black mayor, after being sworn in by El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego. “I am honored to stand before you today as your new mayor.”
The Star on the Mountain, under the Starlighters program of the El Paso Chamber, was lit blue in honor of Johnson by his family Monday.
“Together we will tackle the challenges that lie ahead and make our city a better place to live,” he said, addressing the new council and staff and all public servants in the community. “El Paso is a city with rich history, a vibrant culture and an unbreakable spirit.”
In addressing El Paso residents, Johnson promised to serve with “humility, transparency and dedication,” saying he will never forget his duty is to the “people of this great city.”
More than 1,000 people – including family members, city employees and community and business leaders – attended the ceremony and the reception that followed at the theater’s lobby.
Also sworn in were city representatives Alejandra Chávez, District 1; Josh Acevedo, District 2; Deanna Maldonado Rocha, District 3; Cynthia Boyar Trejo, District 4; Ivan Niño, District 5; and Lily Limón, District 7.
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The new elected city leadership will begin their official duties at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 300 N. Campbell St., and is open to the public.
You can watch council meetings live at the city’s YouTube channel. Find meeting agendas here, and sign up to speak at council meetings here.
Municipal court judges sworn in Monday include Michelle Morales, Kristin Romero, David A. Bonilla, Samuel Flores and Mike Herrera, as well as court of appeals Judge Maria B. Ramirez.
Here are some photos from Monday’s ceremony:
Newly-elected officials and judges for the city of El Paso applaud after the Star-Spangled Banner is sung, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters) 
Lily Limón is sworn in as city representative for District 7 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters) 
Ivan Niño is sworn in as city representative for District 5 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters) 
Cynthia Boyar Trejo is sworn in as city representative for District 4 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters) 
Deanna Maldonado-Rocha is sworn in as city representative for District 3 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters) 
Josh Acevedo is sworn in as city representative for District 2 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters) 
Alejandra Chavez is sworn in as city representative for District 1 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters) 
Renard Johnson, accompanied by his daughters, Aviva, left, and Neveah, stands to sworn in as El Paso city mayor by County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters) 
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, left, congratulates newly-sworn in city of El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson and his family, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters) 
Mayor Renard Johnson, left, and Ciudad Juárez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar embrace after Johnson's swearing-in at Plaza Theatre Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
Several El Paso county officials were sworn into office in separate ceremonies over the past few days, including Oscar Ugarte as county sheriff; Christina Sanchez as county attorney; Jackie Arroyo Butler as Precinct 1 county commissioner; and James Montoya as district attorney.
This article first appeared on El Paso Matters and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
