A new leader in town: Marsha Judkins sworn into office to begin first term as Provo’s mayor
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- Provo Mayor Marsha Judkins is sworn into office Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025, at Provo City Hall.
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- Provo Mayor Marsha Judkins speaks at her swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025, at Provo City Hall.
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- Councilwoman Katrice MacKay speaks at her swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025, at Provo City Hall.
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- Councilman Jeff Whitlock speaks at his swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025, at Provo City Hall.
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- Councilwoman Rachel Whipple is sworn into office Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025, at Provo City Hall.
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- A large crowd squeezes into the Provo City Hall Council Chambers to watch the swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Provo.
An above capacity crowd squeezed into the Provo City Hall Council Chambers Tuesday night to witness the commencement of a new mayoral administration.
Marsha Judkins, who unseated two-term incumbent Michelle Kaufusi in a razor-thin November election, placed her hand on the Bible and was sworn into office.
Under Provo’s strong mayor form of government, she becomes the chief executive officer of the city, overseeing city operations, taking responsibility for the city’s budget and holding executive authority and administrative control.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve as Provo’s mayor,” Judkins said. “I love this city. It’s where I raised my children. It’s where I formed friendships. It’s where I’ve had the privilege of serving and being served by amazing people. To be trusted with this responsibility is just so humbling, and I don’t take it lightly.”
Judkins was a state representative for House District 61 from 2018 to 2024, where she served on the House Health and Human Services Committee and House Revenue and Taxation Committee.
The west Provo resident campaigned on improving the city’s business environment, increasing sales tax revenue and addressing growth and housing needs, among other issues.
Backed by strong support from west and south neighborhoods in the city, she managed to surmount Kaufusi, who was trying for a third term, by just 422 votes to secure the seat.
During her swearing-in ceremony speech, Judkins acknowledged the tight race and applauded Kaufusi for her years of service to the city. The former mayor received an ovation from the crowd.
Judkins said she is just as committed to serving those who did not vote for her as those who did during her time in office.
“My goal is to listen, to build trust and to work towards the things that matter to all of us, like safe neighborhoods, strong families, opportunity, fairness and a city that feels welcoming and connected,” she said.
Also sworn into office Tuesday were Citywide I Councilwoman Katrice MacKay and District 5 Councilwoman Rachel Whipple, who each began their second terms, and District 2 Councilman Jeff Whitlock, who started his first term after replacing George Handley, who did not seek reelection.
Judkins vowed to work alongside the City Council with respect, despite any differences.
“I bet we’ll agree most often, but sometimes we’ll do things differently, and I really value your perspective, and I value your service, and I do look forward to the work that we can do together,” she said.
MacKay, who secured her reelection bid with over 58% of the vote, expressed her gratitude to her campaign team and said she was excited to hit the ground running in her second term.
“I look forward to doing everything I can to improve the quality of life in Provo,” she said.
Whitlock spoke on how he grew to love Provo from his time in college and chose to raise his family here. He pledged to work alongside those who he disagrees with to make positive change.
“A community can work together, even with people who strongly disagree, to find solutions and compromises,” he said.
Whipple credited the city of Provo for help shaping her as a person and said she wants to give back to the community.
“I’m so grateful that I have this chance to serve, and that I have the confidence of my neighbors to continue doing this work for another four years,” she said.
