With John Kerry confirmed to succeed Hillary Clinton as U.S. secretary of state, Kerry ultimately vacates his Massachusetts senate seat which he has held since 1985.
In addition to vacating the senate seat, the new secretary of state leaves his chairman position of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which has been given to Democratic New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez.
As for Kerry's senate seat, a special election has been reported to take place in June, but until then the Massachusetts governor has to appoint an interim senator.
Massachuettes Governor Devall Patrick announced today that his former chief of staff, William "Mo" Cowan, will take over Kerry's senate seat.
"I am proud and delighted to appoint Mo Cowan as interim U.S. Senator from Massachusetts," said Gov. Patrick. "Mo's service on the front lines in our efforts to manage through the worst economy in 80 years and build a better, stronger Commonwealth for the next generation has earned him the respect and admiration of people throughout government. The people of the Commonwealth have benefited from his wisdom and good judgment during his time in our office, and will again in the Senate."
"I am honored and humbled by this appointment today," said Cowan. "I pledge to you and the people of Massachusetts that during this interim period I will work as hard as humanly possible to perform my duties with the needs and aspirations of our state's citizens foremost in mind."
With the special election set for June 25, Cowan confirmed he does not plan on running for the position full time. Currently Democratic Rep. Ed Markey and Rep. Stephen Lynch confirmed their intentions on running. Another politician that could potentially run is former Senator Scott Brown. He lost to Elizabeth Warren last November despite having favorable approval ratings.
Cowan's appointment will make him the second African American from Massachusetts in the senate, following Republican Edward Brooke who served between 1967 and 1979. Cowan will be the eight African American, nationwide, and the first time two African Americans serve in the senate at the same time.