After serving as Massachusetts's senator since 1985 and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, John Kerry has succeeded Hillary Clinton as secretary of state.
The U.S. Senate voted 94 to 3 to approve President Barack Obama's nomination of Kerry. The three voting against were Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe and Texas Senators John Cornyn, and Ted Cruz. Two other senators that was not present during the voting, Democrat Patty Murray of Washington and Republican John Hoeven of North Dakota.
Kerry's new position was seen inevitable and easy, compared to other nominees President Obama ordered, which includes Chuck Hagel for defense secretary and John Brennan for CIA director.
"Sen. Kerry will need no introduction to the world's political and military leaders and will begin Day One fully conversant not only with the intricacies of U.S. foreign policy, but able to act on a multitude of international stages," said Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who will succeed Kerry as committee's chairman.
Earlier today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved Kerry for the position.
With Kerry taking the secretary of state role, his Massachusetts seat will be vacant. According to Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin, a special election will likely take place on June 25.
For the senate race, Democratic Rep. Ed Markey has confirmed his intentions to run. A Republican candidate has not been clear but speculation points to former Sen. Scott Brown who lost his seat last November to Elizabeth Warren despite favorable approval ratings.
For the meanwhile, Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick will name an interim senator until the special election.
Kerry could be sworn in as early as Wednesday.
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