Lansing, MI — The 119th Congress officially began Friday with several Michigan lawmakers taking their oaths of office, signaling a shift in both the state’s political representation and the nation’s legislative landscape.
Among the newly sworn-in members is Tom Barrett, who will represent Greater Lansing in the House of Representatives. Barrett’s swearing-in was a particularly poignant moment, as he takes up residence in the same office his great-grandfather, Louis Rabaut, occupied for over a decade. Rabaut served in Congress from 1935 to 1947 and is perhaps most remembered for introducing the bill that added the words “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance.
“I have a lot of family joining me today, and it’s something I’m proud of and very appreciative of and something I do not take for granted,” said Barrett. The emotional significance of Barrett’s swearing-in wasn’t lost on him, as he reflected on the legacy left by his great-grandfather, who was also sworn into office on this very day, 90 years ago.
On the other side of Capitol Hill, former U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin was sworn in as Michigan’s newest U.S. Senator, filling the seat left vacant by the retirement of Senator Debbie Stabenow. Slotkin, who was joined by Stabenow during the ceremony, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and her commitment to protecting national security, safeguarding democracy, and securing Americans’ rights.
Slotkin, who has also been assigned to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, emphasized the importance of agriculture to Michigan’s economy and laid out her top priorities for her first term. “Protecting our kids from the things that are truly harming them… protecting ourselves and our country is first-order business,” Slotkin said, underscoring the urgency of addressing national security concerns.
Elsewhere in Michigan’s political landscape, Kristen McDonald Rivet was sworn in for her first term as a U.S. Representative, representing parts of Saginaw, Bay, Genesee, Midland, and Tuscola counties. McDonald Rivet previously served in the Michigan Senate and will now represent mid-Michigan as part of the New Democratic Coalition.
“My top priority is making life easier for working Michiganders who roll up their sleeves every day to provide for their families,” said McDonald Rivet, pledging to fight for affordable living, job creation, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. As a freshman member of Congress, McDonald Rivet is already committed to bipartisan collaboration, noting her eagerness to work with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike to move the nation forward.
With these new leaders taking their places in Washington, Michigan looks forward to a new chapter of advocacy, leadership, and service as they work to shape the future of both their state and the country.
