West Palm Beach certifies March election; Steven Sylvester sworn in and Paduzi elected commission president

The West Palm Beach City Commission unanimously approved Resolution 86-26 on April 2, formally declaring the results of the March 10, 2026 general election, then held a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected and reelected commissioners and elected Commissioner Paduzi as the new commission president.

The approval came after Mayor James introduced the canvass, noting that city code and state law require the commission to affirm election results by resolution and that the canvassing board, which included the city clerk and Miss Johnson, confirmed the results. Mayor James moved to approve Resolution 86-26; a second was given and the body adopted the resolution by unanimous voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The meeting shifted to a ceremonial presentation honoring outgoing Commission President Christina Lambert, who has served eight years as District 5 commissioner and two terms as commission president. Lambert highlighted accomplishments during her tenure, including redevelopment projects, an expansion of public-safety capacity and housing initiatives. "When people come together with purpose, when they listen, when they lead with intention, there is no limit to what a city can become," Lambert said, thanking staff, first responders and her family.

Lambert cited several specifics from her time in office: the conversion of a municipal golf course into an internationally known park; support for the community paramedic program; delivery of more than 1,400 workforce housing units across the city; and infrastructure investments including flood mitigation and a $35 million revitalization of Curry Park. She also noted public-safety staffing levels, saying the city has "over 300 sworn police officers and nearly 300 firefighters." Lambert closed by formally passing the baton to incoming Commissioner Steven Sylvester.

The commission then administered oaths of office. Steven Sylvester, sworn at the dais, pledged to support the U.S. and Florida constitutions and signified readiness to serve. In remarks after the oath, Commissioner Sylvester said he is a longtime community volunteer and health-care professional who will prioritize accessibility and constituent engagement. "I will listen. I'll be available and I'll be ready to do the work," Sylvester said.

Reelected Commissioner Kathleen Ward and Commissioner Christie Fox also took the oath of office. Ward thanked staff and colleagues for their support; Fox thanked election staff, first responders and campaign teams, welcomed Sylvester and reiterated a focus on neighborhood representation and public safety.

Following the swearing-in remarks, Commissioner Christie Fox nominated Commissioner Paduzi to serve as the next commission president; the nomination was seconded, and the commission elected Paduzi by voice vote with no opposition. President Paduzi thanked colleagues for their confidence and said she looks forward to working with the commission and staff.

The meeting ended with additional congratulations to the incoming and reelected commissioners and a brief closing from Mayor James, who praised the commission's commitment to public service. The meeting was then adjourned.