Senator Childers takes oath, begins service

The newest member of the Oklahoma State Senate is now officially on the job. Sen. Greg Childers was officially sworn in during a special ceremony in the Senate Chamber on Wednesday. Among the many friends, relatives and supporters attending the State Capitol ceremony were Childers’ wife, Melanie, and sons Cameron, 12, Connor, 8 and Cole, 6, who joined Childers on the floor for the oath of office.

“I am extremely humbled to have been entrusted with this responsibility, and I do not take it lightly,” said Childers, R-Del City. “I will do everything in my power to make my district and this state the best they can be for all our citizens, and that means creating more jobs, better economic opportunities and a great quality of life.”

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, who also serves as President of the State Senate, presided over the oath of office ceremony. The invocation was given by Associate Pastor Greg Mikes of the Sunnylane Southern Baptist Church in Del City. Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven W. Taylor administered the oath.

A former instructor with the U.S. Postal Service Training Center in Norman, Childers won the District 43 seat in a special election held last Tuesday. The special election was called after former Sen. Jim Reynolds stepped down with one year remaining in his term after being elected treasurer of Cleveland County.

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said he was excited to welcome Childers to the State Senate.

“Senator Childers is a fiscal conservative, guided and grounded by his faith and his family,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “I know he will do an excellent job representing the people of Senate District 43.”

A reception was held in the Senate lounge following the ceremony. In the coming weeks, the freshman lawmaker will be working with fellow members and staff in preparation for the coming legislative session.

“I know we’re still facing economic challenges as we work to move our state beyond the recession, but we have tremendous opportunities ahead as well,” Childers said. “I’m ready to get to work on behalf of the citizens of District 43.”