Senator Mike Martucci (R, C, I – New Hampton) Saturday was sworn into his first term in the State Senate during a combined in-person and virtual ceremony that occurred in the auditorium of the Orange County Emergency Services Center.

Martucci was elected in November as one of only two candidates to defeat an incumbent member of the state’s upper house. Martucci’s term officially began on January 1 and his offices have been open since January 4. This ceremonial swearing-in was a chance for family, friends, local elected officials, and supporters to honor the Senator’s victory as well as the start of his term in the State Senate representing the 42nd District, which includes 37 towns and two cities across four counties in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.

“When I look back over this past year, I truly could not be more grateful to stand here as your State Senator. I am incredibly honored by the confidence placed in me by the residents of the 42nd senate district. These are challenging times, and it is our duty as elected representatives to rise above the politics of the moment and make our obligations about public service, not self service,” Martucci said. “ Our state, and our Nation, need us to step up now more than ever. Democrats and Republicans alike who feel called to serve know that this job is not easy, but there is a reason we do it — because we can make a difference. What I am looking to do in Albany is not to be someone, but rather to do something. I enter this role with a servant’s heart and a deep sense of responsibility. I understand that when you are blessed to be a leader, how important it is to be there to help and support the people who chose you to lead. I look forward to bringing my experience to Albany for the betterment of the people who live here, and they can count on me to work with anyone who has true courage and is there to serve. I hold a tremendous amount of optimism for the future, because above all, what I am confident in is the goodness of our people and our ability to come together.”

Martucci serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Committees on Developmental Disabilities and Small Business, Commerce and Economic Development.

Orange County Court Judge Hyun Chin Kim administered the Oath of Office, and Deputy Orange County Clerk Kelly Eskew served as Master of Ceremonies. Martucci’s pastor, Rev. Peter Rustico of St. John’s Lutheran Church, opened the ceremony with an invocation, while Kristyn Vellenga, a young mother and supporter from Orange County, sang our National Anthem. Orange County Sheriff Carl DuBois led those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance.