Davis-Younger Sworn In For Second Term Along With New, Returning Council Members

MANASSAS, VA — After a delay last week due to the winter storm, the City of Manassas held a swearing in for returning Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger plus a new councilmember and two returning members.

Prince William County Clerk of Court Jacqueline Smith administered the oath of office to Davis-Younger and Democratic Councilmembers Ashley Hutson, Mark Wolfe and Tom Osina. Hutson was is a new member, filling a seat vacated by former Vice Mayor Pamela Sebesky. Wolfe and Osina are returning to council for new terms.

Wolfe, who is now in his fifth term, was selected as vice mayor by City Council colleagues.

Davis-Younger had won a second term as mayor over Republican challenger and Tang's Bridal owner Xiao-Yin "Tang" Byrom. She was first elected to City Council in 2019.

In remarks at Monday's meeting, Davis-Younger said being mayor "has and will continue to be some of the best years of my life."

"As we embark not only on a new year and with a somewhat new council, I'm excited about the work that lies ahead of us," Davis-Younger said. "We accomplished a lot in the last four years, and there's still a lot of work to do."

The mayor said voters spoke "loud and clear" with the November city elections who they wanted to represent them. In the new year, she urged City Council members to learn from mistakes along the way and show respect for each other.

"We must work together as a team to be successful for all of our constituents, always keeping in mind and asking ourselves what is best for our city, and most of all respecting each other at all times even when we disagree," said Davis-Younger.