LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In an early morning ceremony, Kentucky welcomed its new attorney general as well as the new year.
According to a news release, Attorney General Russell Coleman's swearing-in ceremony happened at his old Commonwealth's Attorney office in Oldham County just after midnight.
“Early this morning, I formalized a promise to the people of Kentucky to help protect their families and uphold the rule of law,” Coleman said. “I am filled with gratitude for the people of this Commonwealth who placed their trust in me and the fine team that we’ve assembled to take on this mission.”
While he said it may be easy to become overwhelmed "by the darkness of violence and addiction," he said he is optimistic about Kentucky's future and that he vows to support Kentucky's public servants.
His wife and two children joined him at the ceremony.
District Court Judge Daniel Fendley administered the Oath according to the release. Both Fendley and Coleman were classmates at the University of Kentucky's law school.
He defeated his democratic opponent, Pamela Stevenson, by 16% on election night.
Coleman was elected to be the next attorney general after the previous one, Daniel Cameron, ran for the governorship. Cameron's democratic opponent, incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear, won for a second term.
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