WASHINGTON – Three new U.S. Representatives from South Florida were sworn into office Thursday during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Joe Garcia

Democrat Joe Garcia, who unseated Republican David Rivera in District 26, released a statement, saying: "This afternoon I had the honor of being sworn-in as South Florida's newest representative in Congress with my daughter and family by my side. I would like to thank the people of South Florida for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve as their voice in Washington. My number one priority is to fight for a strong economy that works for middle class families and ensure that our children have a chance to succeed with an education system that is second to none."

"No single political party has a monopoly on good ideas. As such, I look forward to listening to my colleagues -- Democrats and Republicans alike -- and working in a bipartisan manner to move our community and country forward."

Lois Frankel

Democrat Lois Frankel, who defeated Adam Hasner in District 22, released a statement, saying: "As I take the oath of office today, I pledge to always be on the side of South Florida families. We must work together to create jobs in South Florida and protect Medicare and Social Security. We must reduce our deficit in a balanced way and the best way we can achieve that is by getting people back to work by investing in infrastructure, innovation and education and giving tax cuts to companies that keep jobs in South Florida.

"I stand ready to work with anyone willing to break the partisanship and gridlock in Washington to move our country forward."

Frankel previously served as the mayor of West Palm Beach.

Patrick Murphy

Democrat Patrick Murphy, who ousted Tea Party favorite Republican Allen West for the District 18 seat, released a statement, saying: "I am truly honored to have been sworn-in as a Member of the 113th Congress.  Over the past year, I have been humbled by the outpouring of support that got us to this point today.  It is a privilege to represent the people of St. Lucie, Martin, and northern Palm Beach counties in the U.S. House of Representatives. I look forward to serving the 18th district and will have an open-door policy for all constituents.

"As the 113th Congress begins, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together in a bipartisan manner to address the issues facing our nation.  Too much was left unresolved in the previous Congress due to partisan gridlock.  We not only need to get to work, we need to work together to move America forward."