Wichita swears in its first Asian American mayor

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Political newcomer Lily Wu was sworn in as the first Asian American mayor of Wichita, Kansas, on Monday.

About the event: Wu, a registered libertarian, was sworn in alongside two Republican City Council Members, Dalton Glasscock and J.V. Johnston, at Wichita City Hall on Monday. According to The Wichita Eagle, Wu is the second woman in the city's history to win a citywide mayoral election.

Addressing attendees, Wu promised to conduct herself with “integrity, humility and respect” as Wichita's new mayor. She also said she was “humbled and so grateful that my Wichita story has led me here tonight.”

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Election result: Wu won the mayoral election in November by earning 58% of the votes, beating incumbent Brandon Whipple. In her acceptance speech, she promised to focus on restoring public safety and economic development, among others.

Wu revisited the problems the city is facing on Monday. “We face a number of challenges. Over 100 police officer vacancies, increasing homelessness, a drought in our community, continued challenges of brain drain, and a looming budget deficit, just to name a few," she told attendees.

Expressing support: At the ceremony, outgoing Mayor Whipple noted that he and Wu are on the “same team” now. He also asked his supporters to “keep an open mind” about the new mayor.

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“I’m really optimistic and frankly somewhat excited about our new mayor-elect, Mayor Wu,” he said in his remarks.

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