BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker swore him in two weeks ago, but on Thursday the state senate made it official when they welcomed former state Rep. Brendan Crighton to the 40-member body.
The Lynn Democrat, who sailed into office without opposition earlier this month, was escorted to seat No. 32 by Sen. Adam Hinds (D-Pittsfield) and soon-to-be Senate President Sen. Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), to a standing ovation.
“We don’t get to serve in this job without the support of the many people who get us elected,” he said. “I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world because of all the unwavering support I’ve received throughout my life, and this past election was no different.”
Crighton, 34, praised his parents, his wife Andrea, whom he met at the State House, and Mayor Thomas M. McGee, his former boss who once held the Third Essex District senate seat.
“I’ve said so many times, I have big shoes to fill,” he said. “Tom McGee has done so much for his district and has had much legislative success. More than that, he never forgot who he was, a guy from Lynn who places his wife and family above all else.”
Former Senate President Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst) praised Crighton as a hard worker, a thoughtful legislator who is young and energetic.
“Three years in the House and he’s already in the Senate, the guy is on the move,” he said. “I’ve gotten to know him very well, he has a very positive reputation, and brings a fresh voice to the chamber.”
