Cory Booker sworn in as U.S. Senator from New Jersey

Newly sworn in Sen. Cory Booker (l), his mother Carolyn with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

New Jersey’s Cory Booker has been sworn in as a U.S. senator.

This is the latest chapter in the former Newark mayor’s meteoric rise to stardom.

Booker, 44, a Democrat, is the first black senator from New Jersey and the first black senator to be elected since Barack Obama won his Illinois seat in 2004.

Booker was sworn at noon today by Vice President Joe Biden in the Old Senate Chamber.

Booker was joined by a number of family members, including his mother and his brother, Cary. His father died earlier this month after a long bout with Parkinson’s disease.

It’s unclear what Booker’s committee assignments will be. He submitted his resignation as mayor on Wednesday. It was effective at midnight.

He served as Newark mayor for seven years.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press