EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Renard Johnson made a bit of Borderland history on Monday night, Jan. 6.
Johnson, a political newcomer and business owner, was sworn in as El Paso’s first-ever Black mayor during a ceremony at the Plaza Theatre in Downtown El Paso.
Johnson defeated Brian Kennedy in a runoff election on Dec. 14. Johnson and Kennedy had emerged from a crowded field of eight candidates during the Nov. 5 general election. Neither were able to garner a majority of the vote, so they went to a runoff.
Johnson succeeds Oscar Leeser, who served two non-consecutive four-year terms and was barred by term limits from seeking another.
Johnson and newly sworn in City Council members will begin their official duties during a regularly secheduled council meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7 at City Hall, 300 N. Campbell.
Besides Johnson, the following individuals were sworn in to their City positions during the same ceremony.
District 1 rep.:
Alejandra Chávez
District 2 rep.:
Josh Acevedo
District 3 rep.:
Deanna Maldonado Rocha
District 4 rep.:
Cynthia Boyar Trejo
District 5 rep.:
Ivan Niño
District 7 rep.:
Lily Limón
MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES:
Court 1 judge:
Michelle Morales
Court 2 judge:
Kristin Romero
Court 3 judge:
David A. Bonilla
Court 4 judge:
Samuel Flores
Court 5 judge:
Mike Herrera
Court of Appeals judge:
Maria B. Ramirez
Read: Read More