The Hill News

Newly minted West Virginia Sen. Carte Goodwin (D) was sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday afternoon in front of the Senate, providing Democrats with a critical vote â€" their 59th.

Wearing a black suit with light blue tie, Goodwin took the senatorial oath by Biden before a capacity crowd in the chamber’s upper floor. Senate officials said as many as 150 people were expected to have traveled from West Virginia for the two-minute ceremony.

Goodwin was sworn in twice by Biden, once in the Senate and again in the Old Senate Chamber down the hall, for photography purposes. No photography is allowed in the formal Senate chamber.

Asked his thoughts, Goodwin told The Hill, “I’m excited and anxious to get to work for the people of West Virginia.”

He did so immediately â€" casting a vote with the Democratic majority to break a GOP filibuster that had been blocking an extension of unemployment benefits.

On hand for Tuesday’s ceremony was West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D), who appointed Goodwin on Friday and has announced his intention to run for the seat in November.