Bergstrom takes oath, begins first senate term

Micheal Bergstrom is now officially on the job as State Senator for District 1.  The Adair Republican was sworn in during a ceremony at the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon as friends, family and other supporters looked on from the Senate gallery.

“I am thankful to the citizens of District 1 for entrusting me as their voice in the Senate,” Bergstrom said.  “I’m looking forward to devoting my full-time effort to promoting legislation to help create more jobs for our district and our state, strengthen our economy and generate more resources for education, public safety, and other core services.”

Bergstrom spent a decade working in journalism before becoming a full time educator.  He has 20 years of experience in education, with the last 17 working in Bluejacket Public Schools.  He said his first-hand perspective of the state’s education challenges prompted him to run for office, noting that stabilizing funding for education is one of his highest priorities. 

Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Mike Schulz said he was looking forward to working with Bergstrom in the 2017 session. 

“Senator Bergstrom will be a strong voice on behalf of District 1 in the State Senate. His experience will be a valuable asset to our caucus as we work to build a stronger and more prosperous Oklahoma,” said Schulz, R-Altus.

The Senate will hold a one day organizational meeting on January 3, and the 2017 session will formally get underway on February 6.