Dan McKee Sworn In As New Rhode Island Governor

PROVIDENCE, RI — The era of McKee has begun. The former lieutenant governor was sworn in less than an hour after former Gov. Gina Raimondo resigned her position to become the new U.S. Commerce Secretary.

Dan McKee took the oath of office Tuesday evening at a small, socially distant ceremony presided over by Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. His wife, Susan, was in attendance, as well as Kara and Matthew, their children, and Matthew's fiancée, Laura Clifford.

"I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the people of Rhode Island at this crucial time for our state," McKee said. "I will work hard, day in and day out, on behalf of Rhode Islanders in all 39 cities and towns to ensure we come out of this pandemic stronger than we went in."

Several Rhode Island lawmakers were also in attendance: Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and House Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski, who was there on behalf of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.

McKee's public inauguration ceremony will be held at noon on Sunday, on the south steps of the State House. More information will be announced later this week.

Following his oath of office, McKee wasted no time in taking action. His first executive order called for "for the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct across state government," his office said.