James Arthur Gray was sworn in as mayor of the City of Hampton and Council members took their oaths of office at a special organizational meeting called under Section 3.06 of the Code of the City of Hampton; the council then elected Councilman Steve Brown as vice mayor for a two-year term in a 4–3 roll-call vote.

The meeting began with a clerk’s reading that the session was called “pursuant to section 3.06 of the code of the city of Hampton to select by majority vote a vice mayor for a 2 year term and for administration of the oaths of office as provided by law.” Officials present administered the ceremonial oaths to Mayor James Arthur Gray and to council members who were seated for the new term.

Mayor Gray used his remarks after the oath to thank family and campaign staff and to frame his approach to the office. “I pledge to lead with integrity and listen with empathy and work tirelessly for the people of Hampton,” he said.

After the oath administrations, the council moved to elect a vice mayor. Councilman Steve Brown made the motion to elect a vice mayor and a second was recorded but not named on the transcript. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote. The roll call recorded "Aye" votes from Councilman Randy C. Bowman Sr., Councilman Steve Brown, Councilwoman Carolyn S. Campbell and Councilwoman Michelle Taylor Fairby; "Nay" votes were recorded from Councilwoman Hope L. Harper, Councilwoman Butler (name listed in the roll call as "Butler"), and Mayor James Arthur Gray. The tally was four in favor and three opposed; a majority was required under the meeting call. The clerk announced, “The motion carries,” and the council seated Councilman Steve Brown as vice mayor for a two-year term.

The meeting included brief remarks from newly sworn council members thanking supporters and family. The session concluded with acknowledgments of the judges and court clerk who assisted with the swearing-in and a notice that a reception would follow.

Formal action recorded: election of Steve Brown as vice mayor, carried 4–3. The meeting was convened specifically to administer oaths and select a vice mayor under Section 3.06 of the city code.