Big Moments for Mormon Politicians

Tuesday was an important day for Latter-day Saint politicians as monumental events took place for both Sen. Orrin Hatch and Mia Love.

Hatch, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was sworn in as the Senate’s new president pro tempore. Traditionally, the majority party senator with the most seniority is given the president pro tempore position. As the president pro tempore, Hatch is now the third in the line of succession for the presidency, following the vice president and the House Speaker.

As president pro tempore, Hatch will preside over the Senate in the absence of the vice president. KSL reports that he will also act as an elder statesmen, and is now protected by U.S. Capitol Police security.

Love, who is also a Latter-day Saint, was recently elected into Congress and was surrounded by her husband, children, and Elder Ronald Rasband of the Seventy on Tuesday at her swearing-in ceremony. Politicians are allowed to bring their own Bible for the ceremonial swearing-in. In the video above, Love explains that she was able to place her hand on a special Bible—a Bible that belonged to the Prophet Joseph Smith’s mother, which Rasband provided.

Love is the first Black Republican woman to be elected into Congress, but she does not let that define who she is. Deseret News quotes Love, saying,

[pull_quote_center]I’ve always stayed away from a lot of the race issues because I’ve always said first and foremost, I’m a mom, a wife, I’m an American. I’m not defined by my color or my gender. And I want to make life better for all Americans.[/pull_quote_center]

For more on the these significant moments for Hatch and Love, visit KSL.com.