CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Democrat Maggie Hassan was sworn in Tuesday as a U.S. senator, becoming only the second woman to serve as a governor and senator in American history.
Hassan, a two-term governor, resigned as state executive at midnight Monday. She was sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden in the Senate Chamber in Washington at noon, using the Bible that she received from her mother as a child.
“I look forward to hitting the ground running in the Senate and working to find common ground to expand middle class opportunity, support innovative small businesses, and keep New Hampshire and America safe, secure, and strong,” Hassan said in a statement.
She edged Republican incumbent Kelly Ayotte in November to take her seat in the U.S. Senate.
In New Hampshire, Hassan handed over the governor’s office to Republican Senate President Chuck Morse. He is serving as governor until Republican Gov.-elect Chris Sununu is inaugurated Thursday.
The other woman to also serve as governor and U.S. senator is Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, also from New Hampshire. She escorted Hassan into the Senate Chamber for the ceremony.
Shaheen, Hassan, and Reps. Annie Kuster and Carol Shea-Porter now make up the nation’s first all-female, all-Democratic congressional delegation.
Kuster is serving her third consecutive term in the 2nd District, a first for a Democrat in that seat. Shea-Porter is serving her fourth term, winning victories in 2006, 2008, 2012, and 2016.
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