CLEVELAND, Ga. — Cleveland City Council members CJ McDonald and Jeremy McClure were sworn in Friday, officially returning to office for four more years. Both ran unopposed for reelection this year. McClure will continue representing District 3, while McDonald will serve District 4.
The joint swearing-in ceremony was held Dec. 19 at Cleveland First Methodist Church. Cleveland Municipal Judge Garrison Baker administered the oath of office and loyalty oath during a special-called meeting of the Cleveland City Council.
After taking the oath, McClure reflected on the work ahead.
“I’m just so glad to be here in this beautiful city. I hope the next four years we’re going to accomplish twice as much as we have this year, with these great people here behind me, great staff, support from our families,” McClure said.
McDonald also spoke, thanking fellow city leaders and emphasizing continuity and cooperation.
“Talk about Mayor Turner, Councilmember McClure, Councilmember Sutton, Councilmember Bowen — I can tell all of you with clear eyes and full heart that all four of these individuals have a good heart,” McDonald said.
He continued, “And the main purpose that they serve is because they love the city and Cleveland, as do I. And we find common ground, and we keep moving forward. Small differences aside, we keep that at our forefront, and over the last four years, we’ve had a lot of hard things to do, and we’ve gotten them done. These next four years, we’re going to keep chopping wood, as Kirby Smart says, and keep moving forward and keep getting better.”
McClure and McDonald were first elected in 2021.
