BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Mayor Marty Walsh swore in a historically diverse and female City Council Monday at Faneuil Hall.
For the first time, a majority of councilors are women, and a majority are people of color.
Family and friends of the council members gave standing ovations several times during the ceremony.
"This will be the most diverse council in history," Mayor Marty Walsh told the crowd. "This is why it's not only a historic council, but a historic time for our entire city."
"We elected our first Afro-Latina woman of color," Walsh said to applause, speaking of new Councilor Julia Mejia—who won her council race by just one vote in a recount.
Mejia came out with 22,492 votes, and her opponent, Alejandra St. Guillen had 22,491 votes after all 66,00 ballots were counted again.
Mejia Wins City Council Recount By 1 Vote; St. Guillen Will Not Challenge
"When I ran, I ran with 'all means all,' so for me, yes, I understand the responsibility that I have to represent the Latinx community, but I also know that I'm here to represent all of Boston," Mejia said.
Newly sworn-in City Council President Kim Janey told those gathered that her priorities in 2020 include closing what she calls the "enormous wealth gap" in the city, creating more affordable housing, making sure non-profits pay their share, and providing free MBTA bus service.
Janey is the third woman of color to serve as Council President, and the first Council President from Roxbury in over 30 years.
WBZ NewsRadio's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports
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