Senator Suzette Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, stood before the City of Santa Clarita and took the oath of office reaffirming her commitment to the 23rd District.

Residents and community dignitaries gathered at the City Hall Council Chambers to witness the newly elected Senator be sworn-in by Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda.

The ceremony opened with a prayer from Donté Carty, a pastor from Real Life Church, followed by a presentation of the colors by Golden Valley High School ROTC and a pledge of allegiance led by City Council member Patsy Ayala. 

Former Senator Scott Wilk and former Mayor Cameron Smyth came to the podium to say words of encouragement to the incoming Senator. 

“It takes a special kind of person to do the job, particularly when you’re right minded,” said Former Senator Wilk. “You have to have the right temperament to be able to do that. That’s why I’m really pleased about Suzette. She’s center right on her political philosophy, yet works very well with the other side of the aisle.You have to have those relationships to be able to get things done for your district.”

After being sworn-in, Senator Valladares recounted her up bringing in both the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. She also noted that for the first time in California history, women reached parity with 50% of the California Senate being composed of women. 

The Senator also acknowledged the sacrifice and support her family endures for her.

“I remember when I was in the Assembly, Charlotte (Suzette’s daughter) was about 3, and I came home one day and she was coloring on the table and she was like, ‘Mom, when I grow up, I’m going to save the world so that you don’t have to go to Sacramento,’” recounted Valladares. “It broke my heart and also gave me assurance that I’m doing this for her. I’m somebody who cares about children and cares about our community, who cares about our future.”

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