Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

Washington DC – United States Representative Dennis Cardoza D-CA of Atwater pledged to fight for California's Central Valley when he took the oath of office at noon today. Cardoza, who represents the 18th District of California, was sworn in during the opening ceremony of the 108th Congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol.

"The people of the 18th Congressional District have entrusted me with a very important job - a job that I will take very seriously. I may be a long way from my hometown of Atwater, but I'll always fight for the Valley. I will be a strong advocate for our children, working families, and seniors," Cardoza stated.

Prior to the official swearing in by the Speaker of the House, the oath was administered to Cardoza by Superior Court Judge Betty Dawson, a friend and constituent from Merced County. Nearly 150 friends and family members joined in the "mock" ceremony and then watched the official ceremony on C-SPAN from a private room in the Rayburn House Office Building. Cardoza was joined on the House floor by his children, Brittany, Joey and Elaina as he took his oath of office. His wife, Dr. Kathie McLoughlin and his mother, Mary Cardoza, watched from the House Gallery.

"I am truly honored that so many residents of the 18th Congressional District have come to Washington, D.C. to welcome me as their new Congressman. In my mind, the true ceremony took place when Judge Dawson administered the oath in front of my friends and family," said Cardoza.

Congressman Dennis Cardoza's Washington, D.C. office as well his Merced District Office opened on Friday, January 3rd. Offices in Modesto and Stockton are scheduled to open in the near future.