Bruce Harrell becomes mayor of Seattle New Year’s Day

SEATTLE — On Saturday, Bruce Harrell officially became the mayor of Seattle.

“Today, I officially enter office with optimism and excitement,” Harrell said in a statement posted to Twitter. “Even in these challenging times, I am energized by what we can achieve for Seattle and each other by working together and leading with our shared values.”

He will not have a public swearing-in ceremony as a spokesperson confirmed that Harrell was sworn in privately at his home last week.

Harrell plans to hold a smaller event on Tuesday due to the pandemic, where he will address residents of the city.

“With rising COVID numbers, the mayor-elect has decided to forgo a large public event, and instead hold a ceremonial inauguration event with press and a few members of his team,” Jamie Housen, communications director for Harrell, said Thursday, according to The Seattle Times.

He is be the city’s first elected mayor of Asian descent and its second Black mayor.

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