Roger Reinert was sworn in as Duluth’s 40th mayor during a public ceremony over the noon hour today before an overflow crowd of campaign supporters, city employees, elected officials and media inside the historic Duluth City Hall first-floor rotunda.
“I’m sincerely grateful to everyone who has taken time from your busy day to attend this inauguration ceremony, and recognize this important day of transition," said Reinert, who unseated two-term incumbent Emily Larson – Duluth's first woman mayor – by collecting nearly 60 percent of the vote in the Nov. 7 general election. "It is with great honor and humility that I step into this role as the 40th mayor for the City of Duluth.”
Reinert was sworn in by Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Dale Harris. All four living former Duluth mayors were in attendance.
With his vast political and organization-leading experience, Reinert is already hitting the ground running.
“We have very clear priorities ahead of us in 2024," said Reinert. "The primary role of city government is streets, utilities and public safety. Neighborhood parks, libraries, and community centers. And to ensure that these core services are effective, efficient, and at a tax rate we can afford and sustain.”
Reinert previously served Duluth as a city councilor, state representative and state senator. He is a licensed attorney, a US Navy (Reserve) commander, an active runner, a licensed pilot and an avid sailor of Lake Superior.
Incoming Duluth city councilors will be sworn in at 4:45 p.m. Thursday.