Samantha Johnson has officially taken over as mayor of Kingsland after being appointed by the City Council and sworn into office during its most recent meeting Thursday.
Johnson was unanimously selected by council members to complete the unexpired term of outgoing Mayor Karen Wiscaver, allowing her to immediately assume leadership responsibilities for the city. She presided over the remainder of the meeting following her swearing-in.
Her appointment places her in the mayor’s office through Dec. 31, 2026, before she begins her elected four-year term in January 2027.
Johnson’s transition into the role comes shortly after she defeated Wiscaver in the Republican primary by a 59-22 margin.
Wiscaver had served as mayor since early 2025, when she was appointed by the council to complete the term of former Mayor Sharon Crosby following her departure at the end of 2024.
The change in leadership follows a series of resignations within city government, including Wiscaver as well as Financial Administrator/Secretary Wendy James and Water Operator Kaleb Parker.
City officials did not provide detailed explanations for the departures during the meeting.
Council members Lynda Burns and Suny Blair made and seconded the motion to appoint Johnson, which received full approval from the four members present.
City Recorder/Treasurer Nadriona Russell and City Attorney Thomas Burns were also in attendance, with Russell briefly presiding at the start of the meeting before Johnson took office.
