Congresswoman Alma Adams Sworn in to the 114th Congress
WASHINGTON, DC— Today Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) was sworn in to serve a full 2 year term as the U.S. Representative of the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina. Congresswoman Adams won a special election and the general election in November 2014. She was sworn in on November 12, 2014 to finish the term of former Congressman Mel Watt and today was sworn in for a full 2 year term in the 114th Congress. Adams is the first woman to represent the district, the second African-American woman to represent North Carolina in the U.S. Congress and during the 113th Congress she became the 100th woman serving in Congress (the most of any Congress). To mark the honor of serving as the 100th woman in Congress, Rep. Adams was selected to escort House Speaker Boehner to the Chair of the House Floor. Congresswoman Adams made the following statement:
"Two months ago I was sworn in to finish the term of former Congressman Mel Watt. When I took office, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work for my constituents who had not had representation for nearly 10 months. I am humbled and excited to be sworn in today to begin the 114th Congress and honored to serve on the Escort Committee. As we embark on this new Congress, it is an opportunity for Democrats and Republicans to come together, find common ground and get things done. I also look forward to working with my colleagues in the North Carolina Congressional delegation and especially excited for my good friend, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, as he begins his tenure as the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work on the challenges that face our great nation and do all we can to make the lives of hard working Americans better."
Congresswoman Adams also announced that she has hired Rhonda Foxx to serve as her Chief of Staff. Ms. Foxx is a North Carolina native who earned her law degree from George Washington University and her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Rep. Adams has also hired Keith Kelly to serve as her District Director. Mr. Kelly earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and worked in the district in various roles for former Congressman Mel Watt for 13 years.