SAN FRANCISCO -- Police Chief George Gascon was sworn in Sunday as San Francisco's new district attorney in what Mayor Gavin Newsom called his final mayoral act.
Gascon took the oath of office Sunday afternoon in a hastily called City Hall ceremony the day before Newsom is set to become California's lieutenant governor.
Newsom said he asked Gascon on Saturday afternoon if he would take the post. Gascon said he had not sought out the job but could not turn down the opportunity. He replaces Kamala Harris, who is now California's attorney general.
The appointment allows Gascon to serve out the remainder of Harris' term, which ends this year. Gascon said he planned to run for a full four-year term as district attorney in November.
The 56-year-old said that as a former police official, he brings a unique understanding of law enforcement that will allow prosecutors and police to work together effectively.
