Blacksburg Mayor Michael Sutphin called the town council to order and administered the oaths of office for the mayor and multiple council members, formally opening the town’s first council meeting of 2026. Newly sworn members repeated oaths pledging support for the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In remarks after the swearing-in, Mayor Sutphin said, “With his election and oath of office, council member Daryl Campbell is now the first Jamaican Caribbean American and the second person of color to serve on the Blacksburg Town Council,” calling the milestone a moment of gratitude for the town.

Council then conducted a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, after which the council appointed Council member Susan Anderson to serve as vice mayor under the town custom of assigning the vice mayor role to the council member who received the most votes in the most recent election. The motion to appoint Anderson was moved and seconded; by roll call the motion passed with four ayes and one abstention (Anderson abstained).

Why it matters: The ceremonial oaths and vice mayor appointment establish the council’s formal authority for 2026, and the mayor’s announcement drew attention to representation on the council following a closely contested recent election.

What’s next: Council confirmed committee assignments and said it will finalize interim council appointments at its Jan. 27 meeting.