Representative-Elect James Lankford Now Officially Sworn In

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY --- The 112th Congress convened Wednesday and Republican James Lankford was among the new members of Congress officially sworn in to office.

Lankford had his ceremonial swearing in Tuesday in Washington D.C., but the official ceremony took palce Wednesday.

The 42-year-old political newcomer won the U.S. House 5th District Seat, which was vacated by Republican Rep. Mary Fallin, who stepped down to run for governor.

Lankford issued the following statement Wednesday:

"Today marks the next step in a journey down a new path," said Congressman Lankford. "For the next two years, House Republicans will work to put our country back on track with fiscal responsibility, free market reforms and greater transparency in government... It is a tremendous honor to serve in the United States House of Representatives...The people of the Fifth District of Oklahoma have entrusted me with this seat in Congress and I intend to serve with their best interests in mind... Now is the time to make the tough decisions and I am ready to begin working with my colleagues here in Washington to make our nation more prosperous, more secure and stronger for generations to come."

Lankford said as the U.S. House 5th District Seat holder he wants to challenge the "status quo in Washington" and career politicians.

"They are not the only ones who are passionate about our country," Lankford said. "There are a lot of us who are passionate about the issues and ideas, and want to work."