Islander and City Council member Steve Litzow was sworn in just after noon on Monday at the Capitol in Olympia as the state senator representing the 41st District.

The Republican was elected in the Nov. 2 general election, but with just 200 votes separating him and his opponent, Democrat Randy Gordon, the vote was subject to a recount. With only two votes added to Gordon’s count, the election stood and Litzow was declared the winner.

State law requires that new legislators filling an unfinished term be sworn in immediately. Gordon had been appointed after Fred Jarrett left his seat to become the deputy King County executive.

Litzow said he plans to resign from the Mercer Island City Council after budget deliberations are complete at the end of this month.

Constituents can reach the new senator at Litzow.Steve@leg.wa.gov.