Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to elect Councilmember Paul Krekorian as president of the council, Asbarez reported.

Krekorian has become the first American Armenian to serve in this capacity.

Interim City Council president Mitch O’Farrell offered his congratulations.

“I congratulate Councilmember Paul Krekorian on his election as the first Armenian American to serve as President of the Los Angeles City Council. As I hand the baton to Council President Krekorian, I have full faith and confidence that he will help guide our city with the experience, steady hand, and unifying voice that these challenging times require. With today’s unanimous vote to move forward with my Charter reform initiative that will increase representation and redistricting that is completely independent of this elected body, I know the Council President will help ensure we directly address the very issue that has caused such devastation and harm. I am eager to work with Council President Krekorian and all of my colleagues to expeditiously move this imperative forward,” said O’Farrell. 

Immediately following the vote, Krekorian issued a statement, in which he said the L.A. City Council had the mammoth task of restoring the public’s trust in their elected representatives.