State Senator Patty Ritchie was sworn in for her fourth term in office Wednesday as lawmakers returned to the State Capitol for the start of the 2017 Legislative Session.

“I am thankful and truly honored for the opportunity to once again be able to represent the residents of the 48th Senate District,” said Senator Ritchie. “While we have made great strides in recent years, I look forward to building upon the work we’ve done to create new opportunities in Central and Northern New York, as well as to make life better for people across the Empire State.”

A lifelong resident of the North Country and a former St. Lawrence County Clerk, Senator Ritchie was first elected to the State Senate in 2010.