Richmond’s newly elected and reelected council members were sworn in Tuesday night at a City Hall ceremony that also bid farewell to two longtime progressive council members.

First time council members Jamelia Brown and Sue Wilson, who will represent District 1 and District 5 respectively, took their oaths alongside District 6 council member and Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez, who won her first attempt at reelection.

All three of Richmond’s newly elected officials were sworn into office in English, with Jimenez’ daughter, Alicia, presenting her oath in Spanish.

The council now has, for the first time in its history, five women serving at once, giving females a super majority, according to Mayor Eduardo Martinez.

“This is a historic moment,” he said. “We’ll see how many other city councils (around the Bay Area) follow our lead.” (Martinez initially said it was the first majority female-led council but was corrected.)

All three council members publicly thanked their respective campaign donors and supporters and briefly shared some of their goals.

Amid many cheers from her supporters, Brown — a political newcomer and fourth-generation Richmond resident whose grandparents came to the city to work at the shipyard during World War II — said her focus will be to bring “tangible results” to her district during her term.

“This is an honor that I do not take lightly nor will I ever take for granted,” she said. “There is work to be done, but I’m ready.”

Brown said that issues raised by District 1 constituents during her campaign — such as blight, public safety and voter education — were heard “loud and clear.” She also thanked Richmond youth who supported her campaign.

Mariah Vaughn, a Richmond D1 resident, said she had never previously voted but registered to vote specifically for Brown.

“November 5, 2024 was my first time voting,” she said. “With her (Brown’s) vision and dedication I know she will address the most challenging issues that matter most whether its ensuring economic opportunities or advocating for safer, more inclusive neighborhoods.”

Wilson thanked both outgoing council members Gayle McLaughlin, who chose not to run for the seat again, and Melvin Willis, who lost to Brown, for their contributions to environmental issues and affordable housing.

“There is still a lot for us to do on those issues, but we as a city are much farther along than we would have been if we did not have their service,” Wilson said.

Wilson also thanked her supporters while saying she hoped to gain the confidence of people in her district who did not vote for her.

“If I wasn’t able to win your vote in this election, I am hoping that I will be able to earn your trust over time as I serve,” she said. “Though I’m elected by the people in District 5 I know that each of us here on the city council has a responsibility to act in the best interest of all Richmond residents, not just those who voted for us in our home districts.”

Jimenez said that her race  District 6 against Shawn Dunning proved that Richmond residents trust her track record on issues such as street safety, reimagining public safety and the 10-year, $550 million Chevron settlement.

“My campaign won almost 62% of the votes (cast) and won in every precinct,” she said. “I owe this resounding victory to all Richmond residents in District 6 who believe in what I have done and voted for my platform.”

The future, she added, won’t be easy for the city considering president elect Trump’s victory.

“I am committed to supporting our immigrant community, particularly our undocumented brothers and sisters, so everyone despite their immigration status has a voice on the council, feels represented and feels safe in our community,” she said. “This means strengthening the city’s sanctuary policy and other policies.”

City says goodbye to McLaughlin, Willis

Both outgoing council members McLaughlin and Willis were also given awards and proclamations from Martinez, Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia and District 8 U.S. Rep. John Garamendi.

Jimenez fought back tears as she also thanked both McLaughlin and Willis for their service and prior organizing work in the community.

“Gayle, you paved the way for all of us. Your commitment to progressive policies and supporting residents without compromising your values were incredible,” she said. “Melvin, I know that I said goodbye, but I will see you on the streets.”

According to a Jan. 7 Richmond Progressive Alliance newsletter, Willis, an RPA member, will become lead community organizer for the political group.

McLaughlin, who was initially elected in 2004 and served multiple terms as a council member and mayor, reflected on the changes she has seen on the body in the last two decades.

“Over the years, collectively, we’ve worked to raise the minimum wage, tax Chevron and place regulations on their pollution, significantly reduce violence and crime, pass our rent control law, defend immigrant rights, end homeless criminalization, reject a gambling casino, support unions, defend homeowners, strengthen our citizen police review commission, demand environmental integrity, condemn foreign wars, improve our parks and force Chevron to pay more of its fair share of taxes,” she said.

McLaughlin said she will still be involved around the community, doing research for her graduate studies at San Jose State University.

“I will be doing major research that will intersect with Richmond,” she said.

Willis, who was elected in 2016 as the youngest council member in the body’s history, thanked his colleagues, acknowledging their differences but appreciating the respect among each other.

“We may have come from our different backgrounds, things that influence our decisions and things that drive us, but one thing that I know for certain about every member of this council is that you truly love the city of Richmond,” he said.

Willis said he never thought growing up in Richmond that he would have been able to be elected to that position.

“It just felt like one of those things that were out of reach for me because of my background and where I came from,” he said. “There’s a 7-year-old Melvin Willis whose mind is blown right now.”