State Senator Patty Ritchie was officially sworn in for her fifth term in the New York State Senate Wednesday as lawmakers returned to the State Capitol for the start of the 2019 Legislative Session.

“I am humbled that the people of the 48th Senate District—who I have gotten to know so well—have once again put their faith in me to represent them,” Senator Ritchie said. “During my time in the State Senate I have been honored to work on their behalf and as we begin a new session, the environment may have changed in Albany, but my priorities have not. I will continue to fight to ensure we are creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people in Central and Northern New York, as well as those across the great Empire State.”

Senator Ritchie is a lifelong resident of the North Country. Before she was first elected to the New York State Senate in 2010, she served as the St. Lawrence County Clerk.

(In the Photo Above, Senator Ritchie is being sworn in by Judge Janet DiFiore with Senator Ritchie’s Aunt, Elaine Thompson, holding the Bible)