First New Boston Mayor in Over 20 Years Sworn In

Martin Walsh succeeding Thomas Menino

One political era ended and a new one began Monday as Martin Walsh was sworn in as the city's new mayor, succeeding Thomas Menino, Boston's longest-serving chief executive, who retired after more than two decades in office.

"I will listen. I will learn. I will lead," Walsh said in remarks prepared for delivery at his swearing-in ceremony at Boston College.

The former Democratic state representative and onetime labor leader called Boston a city of courage, of champions and of big dreams, noting that he was once just a kid from the city's Dorchester neighborhood and joking that even his mother would be surprised at how far he had come.