House of Representatives photographer's office

Five Arlington precincts again have representation as David Rogers of North Cambridge was sworn in as state representative to the 24th Middlesex district on Jan. 2 with friends and family by his side, including his 92-year-old mother, third from right.

The district includes precincts 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12 in Arlington, all of Belmont and precincts 1 and 3 in Cambridge. The seat was left vacant when Will Brownsberger ran unopposed for the state Senate to replace Steven Tolman. Brownsberger won the special election last January.

"I am deeply honored to represent the amazing people of Arlington and the entire 24th Middlesex District," Rogers wrote in a prepared statement. "Please know that I am already busily working on your behalf in pursuit of our shared values and in fact have been doing so since right after the election.

"It promises to be a busy year in the State House with many important legislative initiatives ahead. I also want to again thank my family and the many friends and supporters in Arlington and across the district who made this day possible."

In an email, Rogers wrote: "It was particularly poignant for me to have my Mom in attendance and a chair was set up for her next to my official chair on the House floor. We were able to enjoy the proceedings together.

"She just turned 92 and is an inspiration to our entire family for the way that she held us all together and moving in a positive direction after my Dad died young, leaving her with seven children."

Rogers called the swearing-in event largely ceremonial with little official business conducted, except that the parties choose their leaders.

This story was published Monday, Jan. 7, 2012.