Naomi Soto sworn in as Palm Springs’ 28th mayor, pledges inclusive city for all

Naomi Soto was officially appointed the 28th mayor of Palm Springs Wednesday, with her husband administering the oath of office in a ceremony that marked a transition in city leadership.

Prior to its regular meeting, the Palm Springs City Council voted unanimously to appoint Soto to the position of mayor and David Ready to the position of mayor pro tem for one-year terms. Councilmember Grace Garner made the motion, which was seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein.

Brendan Steidle administered the oath of office to his wife in front of a packed Council Chamber. Soto was joined by family members including her children, sister and parents.

Outgoing Mayor Ron deHarte reflected on his tenure before passing the gavel to Soto. “It’s truly been an honor to serve as the 27th mayor of Palm Springs,” deHarte said. “It was a very busy and challenging year, but we collectively were able to accomplish a great deal.”

DeHarte praised Soto’s qualifications for the role. “I get to pass the gavel to our new Mayor Soto, whose leadership and love for the city of Palm Springs, I know is going to keep us moving forward in a very positive direction,” he said.

In brief remarks after taking her new seat, Soto thanked deHarte for his leadership and outlined her vision for making Palm Springs accessible and equitable for residents at all life stages.

“We all deserve a beautiful Palm Springs life and we deserve to have space in this community for our lives,” Soto said. “To be able to evolve, for your career to grow, for your career to contract, to have children, to move in your parents, to downsize. Every phase of life should be possible.”

Soto emphasized the collaborative nature of the city’s rotating mayoral system.

“Nothing is done here as a vote of one,” she said. “Even as mayor, every discussion, every accomplishment, every milestone is possible when a majority of us are in agreement.”

The new mayor highlighted ongoing work on long-term projects initiated by previous councils, including efforts to modernize the airport, update the convention center, pave roads, invest in downtown and upgrade playgrounds.

“The work we’re doing does not exist in a vacuum that is 2026,” Soto said. “We’re implementing decisions of previous councils to pave roads, invest in our downtown, upgrade our playgrounds.”

Soto said some projects may take more than a decade to complete but stressed the importance of maintaining momentum.

“This year may be short, but let’s stay focused on the work that we can move forward,” she said. “Let’s make our residents, our stakeholders, proud of the work we can do, of an efficient government that works for them with incredible staff.”

She concluded by addressing council colleagues and residents. “Let’s set up future councils, future residents, up for success,” Soto said. “With that, let’s get to work.”

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