LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Ben Sasse has been sworn into office as Nebraska’s newest U.S. senator.

Sasse officially took office on Tuesday at a ceremony in Washington. The former Midland University president replaces Mike Johanns, a fellow Republican who stepped down after one term.

Sasse defeated Democratic hopeful Dave Domina, an attorney, in the November general election. He is now the state’s junior senator, serving alongside Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer.

Sasse requested and received the desk that was previously used by Johanns and former Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, R-N.Y.