The City of Port Wentworth held its inauguration ceremony for 2026 elected officials on Friday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the new Port Wentworth Fire Station Headquarters at Anchor Park Blvd. Mayor-elect Tracy Saunders, Mayor Pro-Tem Gabrielle Nelson, Councilman Rufus Bright and Councilwoman Artlise Alston-Cone were sworn into office to serve their new terms. Saunders is the first woman to serve as mayor for the City of Port Wentworth and is now serving her first term. Nelson, Bright and Alston-Cone were re-elected to their positions. Council members Thomas Barbee, Mark Stephens and Shawn Randerwala were also in attendance.

"It is an honor to begin my term as Mayor of Port Wentworth,” said Saunders. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow council members and the city administration to serve our community at such an exciting time for Port Wentworth and making sure that it is a place where families and businesses thrive."

City Manager Steve Davis said the city is looking forward to 2026.

"The inauguration of our elected officials marks an exciting chapter for Port Wentworth. The city administration is committed to supporting Mayor Saunders and the entire council as we continue to deliver exceptional services and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents,” said Davis. 

City, regional and state officials were in attendance. Dinner was served followed the ceremony.

The City of Port Wentworth is a Georgia municipal corporation with an elected Mayor and six elected Council Members. Council Members are elected for Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4; the Mayor and two Council Members are elected at-large; and the Council elects a Mayor Pro-Tem. The Mayor and Council meet at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

For more information about the City of Port Wentworth, please visit www.portwentworthga.gov.