Middletown officials were sworn into office in a ceremony that opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of the national anthem by Middletown High School graduate Vincenzo Elia. Congressman Pat Ryan administered oaths and delivered remarks praising the city’s bipartisan cooperation and civic engagement. “It’s truly an honor for me to be here,” Ryan said.

Mayor DeStefano and the council took the oath of office affirming support for both the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New York. DeStefano used his remarks to thank volunteers, department heads and families, and to highlight recent local progress, including downtown revitalization and infrastructure work. “I’m proud of our city. I’m optimistic about our future,” he said, and previewed a State of the City address planned for February.

Judge Stephen Brockett, sworn in as city court judge, thanked residents and city staff and reflected on multiple decades of local service. “We don’t need more Democrats or more Republicans. We need more good servants,” Brockett said, invoking the role of nonpartisan public service in maintaining community trust.

New and returning council members sworn in included Kevin Witt (First Ward), Andrew Green (Second Ward), Kevin Gomez (Second Ward), and Alex Rodriguez (Fourth Ward). Each pledged to “faithfully discharge the duties” of their offices and thanked family and supporters.

State and county officials attending the ceremony — including State Senator James Skoufis, Assemblymember Paula Kaye, Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, and county legislators Janet Sutherland and Sparrow Tobin — offered congratulations and pledged continued intergovernmental cooperation.

After the ceremonial portion, the council moved to new business and adopted a slate of routine administrative resolutions for 2026. The meeting concluded after a series of confirmations and housekeeping votes.