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New Des Moines council sworn in; Grace Matsui elected mayor, Jean Ochsiger named deputy mayor
Summary
At its Jan. 8 meeting the Des Moines City Council conducted a ceremonial swearing-in of new and returning members, elected Grace Matsui as mayor for the 2026–27 term and selected Jean Ochsiger as deputy mayor; both leadership votes were taken by the full council.
Des Moines City Council members were formally sworn in and selected new leadership at the council’s Jan. 8 meeting. Council members Steinmetz, Ochsiger, Piana Bloss and Robin Desimone repeated the oath of office in a ceremonial swearing-in before the council moved to select a mayor for the 2026–27 term.
Council members nominated several candidates. Councilmember Grace Matsui accepted a nomination and was elected mayor by a council vote that the record shows as five in favor, one opposed and one abstention. After the vote the meeting was turned over to Mayor Grace Matsui.
The council also selected Jean Ochsiger as deputy mayor; Ochsiger accepted the nomination and the council congratulated her on the appointment. The council then proceeded with its regular agenda.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2026.
