Surrounded by family and friends, former Assemblywoman Sharon Runner was sworn into office today to represent the 17th Senate District. Runner is the sixth Republican woman in California’s history to be elected to the State Senate.

The sprawling district includes cities and communities in Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern and San Bernardino counties.

Don’t miss a thing. Get breaking news alerts delivered right to your inbox

The High Desert resident received more than 65 percent of the votes in Tuesday’s special election.

“Having had the experience of serving my constituents in the Assembly, I will continue my goal of making California a friendlier place for businesses to prosper so they can hire new employees,” said Sen. Sharon Runner. “Too many Californians are unemployed.”

Runner added, “The state’s jobless rate is among the nation’s worst. This is simply unacceptable.”

Vowing to make job creation a priority, Runner reconfirmed her opposition to new taxes to her colleagues in the Senate Chambers. Given her business background, Runner believes that taxes will only aggravate the state’s fragile economy.

As the author of one of the nation’s toughest laws to protect children against sex offenders – Jessica’s Law – Runner is expected to keep public safety a priority during her tenure.

Following the administration of the oath of office by President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, Runner thanked her constituents for their vote of confidence and assured them she will push hard to protect their hard-earned tax dollars.

“I am humbled by the faith voters have in me and to those who did not vote for me, I will strive to earn your support,” she concluded.