Josh Gottheimer Sworn In As N.J.'s 5th District Representative Tuesday

WYCKOFF, N.J. — Josh Gottheimer was sworn in as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the representative of New Jersey's 5th Congressional District at noon Tuesday during the first session of the 115th U.S. Congress.

Gottheimer, along with the other members-elect, was sworn in on the House floor at noon. House Speaker Rep. Paul Ryan hosted a ceremonial swearing with Gottheimer and his family, along with the other freshman congressmen and women Wednesday afternoon after the House adjourned.

The father of two from Wyckoff reiterated his commitment to work across party lines to represent the best interests of the District.

“I am honored to take the oath today to serve the families of New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District. I will always remember the tremendous responsibility and trust the people of northern New Jersey have bestowed on me,” Gottheimer said in a statement Tuesday night.

Gottheimer, a former Microsoft executive and speechwriter for President Bill Clinton, defeated longtime 5th Congressional District incumbent Scott Garrett in November, the result of a long and often contentious election that saw both candidates lob personal attacks at one another.

RELATED: Josh Gottheimer Defeats Scott Garrett

Gottheimer attacked Garrett's voting record early and often. Gottheimer's campaign often referred to Garrett as a "bigot" for not supporting gay marriage and gay candidates and "anti-women" for supporting a Constitutional amendment that would ban a woman’s right to choose.

Garrett gave voters the impression that Gottheimer is a Washington insider who is very close to the Clintons and who cannot be trusted.

Gottheimer was endorsed the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association, the National Association of Realtors the union representing more than 5,000 firefighters, emergency medical technicians and dispatchers and retired Gen. Wesley Clark endorsed Gottheimer during the election.

“In Congress, I will work across the aisle to lower taxes, cut unnecessary regulations, support our veterans and first responders, cut the national debt, fix our ailing infrastructure, fight terrorism at home and abroad, and stand up for Jersey values," Gottheimer said. "I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work."

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Photo: Josh Gottheimer, fourth from left, is flanked by his family and Speaker of the House Rep. Paul Ryan, fifth from right, during a ceremonial swearing in the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon. — Courtesy of Melissa Miller