Republican Jake Merrick, of Yukon, was sworn into the Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday.
Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Darby administered Merrick s oath of office in the Senate chamber as the freshman senator s family and friends looked on from the gallery.
“I’m so full of thanks and humbled to be elected to this position to serve, not only District 22, but the state of Oklahoma so honored and humbled to be part of this group here of men and women I believe all of whom lead with integrity, lead with conviction, Merrick said in a statement.
Merrick is a licensed minister and a former personal trainer who co-owns a construction company.