New York’s newest congressman is ready to get to work.

It’s been decades since there was a new representative of the 25th dstrict, a position long held by the late Louise Slaughter, and Morelle wants to make sure he takes in the weighty moment.

“I always take a moment just to let it sink in every day, and I suspect that’s what I will do here in the House. I’ve never been on the House floor, so this is going to be a first opportunity for me. I’m just going to try to remember always the people back home that’s I represent because that’s my job. That’s what I have a passion for and that’s what I’m looking forward to doing.”

Morelle said one of the most important things to him is to be able to connect with the people he’s representing, the way Louise Slaughter did.

Normally new members of Congress have as few months to adjust to their new jobs, but Morelle’s had just six days.

It’s the first time in more than 30 years that a newly elected representative will fill the 25th congressional seat after Louise Slaughter held it for all those years.

The congressman-elect says the process has been very fast paced but Monday night he looked at the Capitol Building and got chills. It was the first time he was able to let it sink in. 

"It's a little different. I'm trying to get used to it," Morelle said. "I certainly haven't gotten used to being called 'congressman' quite yet. Hopefully that will come with time, but people have been great. They're really, really encouraging. People come up to me and are just really hopeful for the future and I'm looking forward to serving them." 

 
Monday night, Morelle officially resigned the from New York Assembly, where he served for 27 years. He has said under many occasions that he wants to continue Slaughter's legacy. 

Morelle cast his first vote Tuesday night following the ceremony.

Look for updates from Washington, D.C. as Joe Morelle gets settled into his new role as congressman.