Editor's note: Watch the mayor's official inauguration live on our news partner ABC13's livestream.

Houston's new mayor is now on the job.

CultureMap news partner ABC13 was there as John Whitmire was sworn in right at 12:01 am on Monday, January 1, 2024. Whitmire's official inauguration is at 9:30 am at the Wortham Theater on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 , followed by his first city council meeting at 11 am.

Whitmire promised to get right to work. After he was sworn in, he spoke about his commitment to making Houston more safe. He also said he wants to make improvements to infrastructure and city services as Houston's 63rd mayor.

Whitmire at his official swearing-in ceremony at the Wortham Theater.Image courtesy of ABC13

He also said public safety is his top priority. According to the ABC13 Neighborhood Safety Tracker, homicides are down more than 20 percent in Houston compared to last year. Data shows assaults, robberies, thefts, and burglaries are down compared to last year.Whitmire promised to run a tough and smart administration when it comes to crime and said he plans to collaborate better with other police departments.

"We've got some serious issues with public safety. We need additional officers. We need to collaborate. I'll go ahead and announce tonight that the chief has already done an outstanding job of following one of my commitments to a collaborative effort. We are going to meet Thursday morning at 10:00 with area chiefs," Whitmire said.

Right after Whitmire was sworn in, he went on a ride-along with Houston Police Chief Troy Finner.

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Continue reading this story on our news partner ABC13.