NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Mayor-elect Freddie O’Connell took the oath of office early Monday morning during a private swearing-in ceremony where officially became the tenth mayor of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County.

O’Connell was sworn into office inside a courtroom at the historic Metro Courthouse. The former councilmember took over for John Cooper, who announced that he would not seek re-election earlier this year after one term in office.

The new mayor is a Nashville native and served District 19 since 2015, representing the downtown area.

Following Mayor Cooper’s announcement, 12 candidates filled the ballot seeking to become the next mayor of Nashville. Freddie O’Connell and Alice Rolli came out with the most votes, but neither received the 50% to win.

After a runoff election, and just over 64% of the votes, majority of Nashville’s residents selected O’Connell to become the new mayor.

In an attendance at the ceremony was O’Connell’s partner, their two daughters and his parents. The swearing in was performed by Judge David Briley, who is a former governor himself.

According O’Connell, the Bible he used to take oath to office has some significance to his family.

“My dad got that Bible here at a flea market in Nashville years ago and started recording family birthdays and some notes in it, so that was one I was really excited to have my family bring as part of our family tradition,” said O’Connell.

After the ceremony, O’Connell told News 2 that his goals for the future include providing a safe and successful city, but knows there are challenges ahead. He said he plans to focus on public safety and quality of life for Nashville’s residents.

A public inauguration is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Public Square Park.