Kim Janey Takes Over As Acting Boston Mayor After Marty Walsh Resigns
BOSTON (CBS/AP) – Kim Janey has officially taken over as Boston mayor. The Boston City Council president assumed the role of acting mayor at 9:01 p.m., one minute after Marty Walsh resigned. Janey is scheduled to have a ceremonial swearing in on Wednesday.
Walsh was confirmed as labor secretary in a 68-29 Senate vote shortly after 6 p.m.
"I was texting with Council President Janey last night. I texted, 'think about this for a minute, a little girl from Roxbury is about to be mayor of Boston.' And her response was, 'think about this for a minute, a little boy from Dorchester is about to be United States Labor Secretary,'" Walsh said. "What an amazing city that we live in and what an amazing time that we're experiencing right now."
Janey is the first woman and first person of color to serve as mayor of Boston.
"History will be made tonight," Walsh said earlier in the evening. "We're an extremely diverse city from different backgrounds and different nationalities and different skin colors. I think it's a good thing for our city. I think it's a great thing for our city."
Janey took to Twitter to wish Walsh well following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
"Congratulations on your confirmation, Secretary Walsh. You are a proud son of Dorchester who will bring our city with you," she tweeted. "The working people of America will benefit greatly from your passion."
"Now, we look ahead to a new day — a new chapter — in Boston's history," Janey, a fellow Democrat, added.
Walsh said for the past two months he's had regular meetings and conversations with Janey. The two have also held extensive planning sessions, he said.
"Together the council president and myself and our teams have worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition," he said.
Janey grew up in Roxbury, and is a graduate of the Boston and Reading Public Schools, as well as Smith College. She was elected the first woman to represent District 7 in 2017, and was voted president of the council in 2020.
She has worked with a number of local advocacy groups, including MassVOTE, the Boston NAACP, the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus and Massachusetts Advocates for Children.
Janey will serve as acting mayor until the November election. She has not yet said if she plans on seeking a full term.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
