CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – A former New Bern alderman has been sworn in to fill the unexpired term of one Eastern Carolina state senator.

Bob Brinson was sworn-in as the state’s district 2 senator during a ceremony Friday at the Craven County courthouse.

“I will have two priorities. The first is to continue to listen to constituents and governing bodies throughout this district to discern the issues facing us and their solutions,” Brinson wrote on social media. “The second will be to forge relationships and earn respect throughout the North Carolina Senate and House to enact legislation that will benefit Eastern North Carolina. Lawmakers east of 95 must work together to help our rural communities.”

The seat represents Lenoir, Beaufort, and Craven Counties.

Brinson was a New Bern alderman for ward 6.

Brinson won the Republican primary for the newly drawn State Senate District 3, which will still represent Lenoir, Beaufort, and Craven counties.

Former District 2 Senator Jim Perry, who has served three terms, announced his resignation early this month citing the demanding schedule and a desire to spend more time with his family.