An attendee could be heard stating it was a "monumental day" just a few minutes before Fayetteville's newest mayor was sworn into office Thursday.

New Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn was sworn in at city hall on Thursday morning. Rawn defeated incumbent Lioneld Jordan in a runoff election back in December. "I think it's an exciting day for our whole city,

FAYETTEVILLE — Molly Rawn can take the “elect” part out of her title as mayor. Several dozen supporters, city staff and elected officials joined Rawn at City Hall for her swearing-in ceremony on Thursday. People packed the chamber, with several standing outside its doors.

Rawn is Fayetteville’s first female mayor since 1987 and the third female mayor in the city’s history. Jordan served as mayor of Fayetteville beginning in 2008. He was a part of the city’s government for 24 years, having joined the city council in 2000. He served as vice mayor from 2004 to 2008.