Booker sworn in as U.S. senator

Former Newark Mayor Cory Booker is now representing New Jersey in the U.S. Senate. With his family, friends and supporters looking on, Booker was sworn in Thursday by Vice President Joe Biden.

Booker, the first black to represent the Garden State in the Senate, took his oath of office using his own Bible held by his mother, Carolyn.

“Let’s not forget. My state now has a Latino and a black representing them,” Booker said, referring to U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez. “That’s kind of incredible. New Jersey is a special kind of place.”

Menendez, also a Democrat, offered some advice to the junior senator.

“When your passion calls you on something, use that eloquent voice of yours to promote those views,” Menendez said.

Booker doesn’t know yet what his committee assignments will be.

Booker, 44, is filling out the term of the late Frank Lautenberg who died in June at 89.

He won the seat in a special election Oct. 15.