Hassan Sworn-In as New Hampshire's Newest U.S. Senator

WASHINGTON, DC — For the second time in state history, a former female governor of the state has been sworn-in to represent Granite Staters in the U.S. Senate. U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-NH, was officially sworn-in on Jan. 3, 2017, by Vice President Joe Biden both from the floor of the Senate and in a re-enactment before family and friends. She joins the state’s senior Senator – U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH – as the second woman to serve to the state who was also elected a governor.

Shaheen escorted Hassan to the Senate chamber to be sworn-in. Her Senate office noted in a press statement that she used a Bible that her mother gave her as a child.

The state’s junior Senator was joined by her husband, Tom, her two children, Ben and Meg, her mother, Peggy, her siblings Franny, Frank and his wife Kay, and their family of the heart, Joyce, Liz and Patrick.

“I am deeply grateful and honored to serve the people of New Hampshire as their United States Senator,” she said. “By working together across party lines to solve problems in New Hampshire, we’ve made progress for our state’s hard-working families and small businesses – and we know we have more work to do. 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.”

Making history

Hassan being sworn-in sets another milestone in New Hampshire politics. Back in 2012, with the election of Carol Shea-Porter, D-NH, back to the House, the entire Congressional delegation was female for the first time in the state’s history – Shaheen, then-U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, Shea-Porter, and U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH. Today marks the first time the entire delegation is both all-female and all-Democrat.

Shaheen called it "a truly historic day," adding, "The 115th Congress has many important issues to address, and we will be fierce advocates day in and day out for the best interests of New Hampshire and the United States.”

Shea-Porter, who represents the 1st Congressional District, was sworn-in today for a fourth term.

"Today’s swearing-in of a new Congress comes at a critical time for our state and our country,” she said in a statement. “I know that public office is a public trust – that’s why I will work every day for 'The Rest of Us,' standing up for integrity and transparency and against outside influences and special interests. As the people’s representative, I will work to strengthen the economy so gains are shared by all, not just those at the top – everyone should have a shot at the American Dream.”

Kuster said after being sworn-in today to serve her third term representing the 2nd Congressional District that it was an honor to represent voters.

“In the new Congress, I’m once again prepared to focus on the needs of hardworking families in New Hampshire, and I stand ready to do the work expected by the people of the Granite State,” she said. “We need to expand access to health care for our veterans, support families by enacting paid family leave and lowering student debt, protect small family farms, fight substance use disorder, and grow our economy.”