Vindman Congressional Swearing-In

A Day of Celebration

On January 3, 2025, I spent the day with my twin brother Eugene as he was sworn into Congress and cast his first votes. It was a momentous occasion for our family, and I wanted to share some photos and reflections on this historic day.

It was fascinating to witness democracy in action. The day began with the election for Speaker of the House, a dramatic process involving all 435 members-elect. While the Democratic Minority unanimously supported their leader, Hakeem Jeffries, the Republicans, holding a slim majority of 219-215, ultimately elected Mike Johnson as Speaker after some performative protests and media posturing by certain GOP members. Eugene’s first vote in Congress was for Jeffries, a symbolic choice reflecting his values and the platform on which he was elected. After Johnson secured the Speakership, he administered the oath of office to the 434 other Representatives en masse, a unifying moment marking the official start of the 219th Congress.

During the swearing-in ceremony, I found myself seated between the spouses of a long-serving Congressman from Virginia and a close ally of Speaker Johnson from Louisiana. The atmosphere was a blend of pride and solemnity, with families and children filling the chamber with a sense of hope and decorum. Despite the underlying political tensions and moments of grandstanding, the day’s focus remained on the peaceful transfer of power and the responsibilities ahead for these public servants.

Following the ceremony, families gathered for photographs with Minority Leader Jeffries and Speaker Johnson. (You’ll notice a subtle expression on my face in the photo with Johnson that speaks volumes!) These moments captured the juxtaposition of personal celebration and the serious business of governance.