City of Phoenix

Thelda Williams.

In a special session Monday afternoon, the Phoenix City Council officially appointed Thelda Williams as the city's interim mayor.

The 76-year-old councilwoman returns to the office of mayor for the first time since November 1994, when she was Phoenix's interim mayor following the resignation of Paul Johnson. Williams takes over for Greg Stanton, who is running for congress. 

Following the council vote, Williams took the oath of office and offered a few remarks, saying she wants the city to move forward.

"I want us to be as non-partisan as possible," Williams said. "I want to concentrate on public safety, making sure we have paved roads, and we have a safe and available water supply."

Councilman Jim Waring was appointed vice mayor. In November, the city will hold a special election to find a replacement mayor to finish Stanton's term. Two other council members, Kate Gallego and Daniel Valenzuela, have already announced that they will run in the special election.