Raul Ruiz was sworn in Thursday in the nation's capital as a freshman congressman representing the Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass.
The 40-year-old emergency room physician beat Republican Mary Bono Mack in November to represent the redrawn 36th Congressional District.
"It is a tremendous honor to have the opportunity to serve and give back to the community that has given so much to me," said newly-sworn-in Congressman Ruiz on Thursday. "I am grateful that the people of the 36th District have entrusted me with the privilege of representing them in Congress, and I will fight every day to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who I was elected to serve."
Bono Mack served 14 years after winning a special election to replace her husband, Sonny Bono, who died in a skiing accident. Ruiz beat out Bono Mack with 110,189 votes to her 97,953, according to certified election results.
"There are many challenges facing the 36th District and our nation today," Ruiz said. "As we begin the 113thCongress, I am confident that we can overcome these challenges by working together. I am committed to working with Democrats and Republicans to achieve real solutions to revive our local economy, ensure all children have access to a high quality education, and protect the quality of life for the people of the 36th District."
Also Thursday, the congressman's new government website was launched, which includes links to things like his official social media accounts, information on his political stances and resource and contact information. You can find that website here.
On Monday, Ruiz will open a district office at 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way in Palm Springs. He also wants to open offices in Indio and in the western part of the district, according to chief of staff Kyle Layman.
He will serve on the House Committee on Natural Resources, according to his staff.
--City News Service contributed to this report.
