By Dr. Sharon H. Porter | Thursday, January 2, 2025 | 10:15 PM ET
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and the newly elected City Council were sworn into office on Thursday, January 2, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s governance. Gaskins made history as the first Black woman to be elected mayor of Alexandria, Virginia.
Accompanied by her husband and two children, Gaskins took the oath of office at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria campus. The oath was administered by Clerk of the Court Greg Parks.
During her remarks, Gaskins acknowledged the challenging backdrop of “deep uncertainty” facing the community.
“I am here because in November, you chose hope and progress,” she said. “Tonight’s celebration ... takes place against the backdrop of deep uncertainty, but here in Alexandria, we will not stop dreaming and fighting for what we want, what we deserve, and what we believe in.”
New Council Members Sworn In
The Democratic slate of council members—Sarah Bagley, John Taylor Chapman, Canek Aguirre, Kirk McPike, Jacinta Greene, and Abdel Elnoubi—was also sworn in. Following tradition, Bagley, who received the most votes in the November election, was unanimously elected vice mayor.
Bagley outlined her priorities for the next three years, emphasizing climate action, affordable housing, and public education.
“Climate change is real, and we can work to solve this challenge,” Bagley said. “Housing is not sufficiently available nor affordable, but we have the tools to address this. And we must continue to support public education while fostering civic engagement and inclusivity.”
Upholding Democratic Values
Council member Kirk McPike, beginning his second term, called on the city to stand firm in its Democratic values amid political challenges at the state and federal levels.
“There are those coming into power who plan to target some of our residents because of who they love, who they are, or where they come from,” McPike said. “In response, we must say no to actions that contradict our values.”
McPike, who serves as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), reflected on his experience during the January 6 Capitol insurrection, underscoring the importance of steadfast leadership.
Bold Plans for Alexandria’s Future
Mayor Gaskins, entering her second term, pledged bold action to address critical issues such as schools, infrastructure, and equity.
“Together, we will deliver a city that works for all of us. We will disrupt the status quo and make the impossible possible,” Gaskins said. “This is about realizing Alexandria’s full potential and creating a legacy for the next generation.”
Council veteran John Taylor Chapman, now the senior member, expressed gratitude for his fifth term.
“To be entrusted with this role in my hometown is an honor,” Chapman said. “I will continue listening, fighting for your needs, and ensuring no one in Alexandria is left behind.”
Reflections from Former Leaders
Former Mayor Justin Wilson and former Vice Mayor Amy Jackson also spoke at the ceremony. Jackson, who lost to Gaskins in the Democratic primary, congratulated the new leadership and reaffirmed her commitment to the community. “There is still work to be done, and I, too, intend to continue serving Alexandria,” Jackson said. Wilson offered words of encouragement and humor to his successors. “Every challenge you face was created by a previous council. The line between legacy and blame is often fuzzy,” Wilson said. “But I know this council has the courage and dedication to tackle these issues, and I’ll be cheering from the sidelines.”
With a strong team in place, Alexandria’s leadership begins a new term, poised to address challenges and opportunities with a focus on unity, equity, and progress.
You can catch an interview with Mayor Alyia Gaskins on The I Am Dr. Sharon Show, which broadcasts on Roku and Fire TV on the FAM TV Plus Network Channel VP1006 in the coming weeks.
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