SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kevin McCarty was sworn in Tuesday evening as Sacramento’s 57th mayor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s leadership following a tightly contested election decided by a margin of just 1,941 votes.
McCarty took the oath of office surrounded by family, friends and supporters in a ceremony filled with emotion and optimism. Outgoing Mayor Darrell Steinberg formally passed the gavel to McCarty, who reflected on his late mother while acknowledging the significance of his narrow victory.
“They said you won this election by 1,941 votes,” McCarty said during his remarks. “And I said, of course, I did. That’s the year she was born.”
The new mayor reiterated the core priorities that defined his campaign: tackling homelessness, improving public safety and ensuring the city’s services work for all neighborhoods.
“We’re loud and clear that Sacramento wants us to focus on the basics,” McCarty said. “Making sure the city works for everybody and that neighborhoods aren’t forgotten.”
McCarty also extended an olive branch to the nearly half of voters who supported his opponent, Dr. Flo Cofer, pledging to represent all residents.
“I am your mayor as well,” he said. “I will serve as a proud mayor for all of Sacramento, because after all, we are one Sacramento.”
McCarty faces significant challenges as he takes office, including a projected $77 million budget shortfall. Among his first major decisions is whether to retain City Manager Howard Chan, who earns over $500,000 annually. The council postponed a vote on the issue until next week at McCarty’s suggestion.
“We’re still looking at the options,” McCarty said. “We’re going to discuss that item on Tuesday.”
In addition to McCarty’s swearing-in, two new councilmembers, Roger Dickinson in District 2 and Phil Pluckebaum in District 4, also took their oaths of office.
The ceremony concluded with McCarty signaling a fresh start for Sacramento, promising a 90-day listening tour across the city and even joking about his pop culture affiliations.
“And yes, as somebody asked, I am a Swiftie mayor,” McCarty quipped. “A new era begins today.”
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