Democrat Kathy Hochul was sworn in as the newest member of Congress Wednesday, pledging to work with the GOP to solve the nation's problems.

Hochul, a former Erie County clerk, won a special election in New York's 26th district on May 24, defeating Republican Jane Corwin and grabbing a seat that has traditionally belonged to Republicans. The special election was required to replace Republican Chris Lee, who resigned after the release of a racy photo he had sent to a woman online.

Hochul's campaign served as a referendum on the Republican budget plan that would overhaul Medicare.

Hochul was surrounded by the entire New York delegation in the well of the House as Speaker John Boehner administered the oath Wednesday afternoon.

We can and must find common-sense solutions to the problems facing each of our districts and our country. As we have learned, our constituents expect and deserve no less, Hochul said in remarks after, the Los Angeles Times reported.

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