Barbara Smith was sworn in as mayor of Norwalk onstage at the city’s inauguration ceremony, taking the oath administered by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Blumenthal asked, “Do you, Barbara Smith, having been elected mayor of the city of Norwalk, solemnly swear and affirm that you will faithfully discharge the duty of said office according to law,” to which Smith responded, “I do.” The event included the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation and musical performances by local students.

The ceremony drew state and federal officials who offered public endorsements and promises of support. Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz told attendees, “We promise we will continue to be generous with state funding to Norwalk,” and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes said the delegation will back the new administration. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy praised outgoing Mayor Harry Rilling for his years of service and said Smith is well prepared for the role.

In her acceptance remarks, Mayor Smith thanked family, staff and outgoing leaders and described a vision for Norwalk focused on housing that meets seniors’ and young families’ needs, strong schools, improved infrastructure and an activated waterfront. “I will show up every day for all of Norwalk,” she said, pledging collaboration with federal, state and local partners.

Earlier in the program the city administered the oath to town clerk Richard McQuade, who thanked staff and residents and pledged to maintain transparency and access in the clerk’s office. The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial passing of the gavel and a benediction from Reverend Gilbert Burgess.

The inauguration was largely ceremonial rather than legislative: speakers emphasized partnership and continuity while identifying priorities for the new administration. Officials present framed near-term support in general terms (promises of state funding and federal backing) without specifying dollar amounts or timelines.

Next steps noted during the ceremony included continuing intergovernmental collaboration and public engagement; no formal votes or policy decisions were taken at the event.