LANSING - The state Senate convened Tuesday morning to swear in its two newest members.
The two new members happen to be the state’s first Mexican American senator and the sixth female senator, who brings the highest number of women ever in the senate.
“I remember taking the oath of office,” said Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus, who performed the ceremony. “Not only is it a sense of exhilaration, but of responsibility.”
State Sens. Valde Garcia, R-St. Johns and Martha G. Scott, D-Highland Park, both won their positions as part of special elections last month to fill vacant spots after last fall’s election.
Scott now represents the 2nd Senate District that covers Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck.The seat was held by Virgil Smith, who resigned to work in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office
Garcia won his race for the 26th Senate District convincingly. The district, which includes portions of Livingston, Clinton and Shiawassee counties, had been previously represented by current U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton.
The ceremony was also considered special by Garcia and his wife, Karla, who happened to be celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary too.
“We’re going to a Livingston County veterans’ dinner to celebrate,” Garcia joked with the other members of the Senate as he took the podium for the first time. “My wife is looking forward to it.”
Both of the new senators brought a fair number of friends and family to witness their swearing-in. The gallery above the Senate floor was filled with people who came to cheer on Michigan’s newest legislators. The Senate even passed a temporary motion to allow friends, family and press onto the main floor during the ceremony.
Both of the new members were excited about their positions.
“It’s an honor to serve on this body,” Scott said. “This is the people’s House - believe me, this is the people’s House.”
After the ceremony, it was back to business as usual as the Senate reconvened after a two-week spring break. But before the pomp and circumstance was replaced by routine and a few committee meetings, the chamber recognized its two newest members with a little celebration and some food spread out in the hallway.
“Today is a great day for Michigan,” Posthumus said. “Not only have we sworn in Mrs. Scott, but also the first Hispanic American to the Michigan Senate.”
