State Sen. Thomas Albert on Wednesday took the formal oath of office as the new session of the Michigan Legislature began at the state Capitol.

Albert joins the Michigan Senate after serving six years in the state House of Representatives. He represents the Senate’s new 18th District including Barry County and portions of Allegan, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent, and Ionia counties.

In opening ceremonies, Albert was sworn in by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement. Albert was joined by his parents Jim and Edna, wife Erica and their five young children.

Residents may email Albert’s Senate office at SenTAlbert@senate.michigan.gov. Callers may dial 517-373-1734 or toll-free at 855-347-8018. Albert’s office is located in Room 4500 of the Binsfeld Office Building, located at 201 Townsend Street in Lansing, across from the state Capitol. The mailing address is Sen. Thomas Albert, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909.