A packed Baldwin County Coliseum crowd gathered Monday, Nov. 3, to witness history as Ruthie Campbell was sworn in as Robertsdale's first female mayor.

Campbell, who just completed her third term on city council, officially stepped into the city's top office during the evening ceremony. New council members Jonathan Kitchens, Adam Manning, Jonathan Lynn and Danna Overstreet also took their oaths alongside returning council member Paul Hollingsworth.

"I know I've been around for 25 years, and I have done my best to give as much as I can to my city that I love so much. I'm just excited and welcoming all the new people up here. It's like a whole generation different than me," Hollingsworth said.

He was the only incumbent to seek reelection for his own seat; Campbell and former councilman Russell Johnson both gave up their council seat to seek the office of mayor, both beating former longtime mayor Charles Murphy in the general election to face each other in a runoff. Murphy had led the city for 33 years.

"You know, I know I'm old and do everything the old fashioned way, but we've got some new blood up here that's just going to move this city forward and make it even better," Hollingsworth said. "So, I want to say to you guys, my colleagues, thank you for getting involved in government. Thank you for wanting to make our city a better city. And I look forward to working with you, and Mayor, I know this is a great endeavor for you, and we wish you the best in leading our city."

After winning the runoff in September, Campbell told GCM, "With the new ideas I have coming forth, I look forward to listening to the new ideas the council has as well and working together as a team and establishing an awesome relationship with the citizens to just see a new day in our city."

Whisper Edwards contributed with on-scene reporting.