Cody Rai sworn in as state representative for Legislative District 3

Cody Rai was sworn in as the state representative for Legislative District 3 in a short ceremony at the Arizona House of Representatives, where members of both parties offered congratulations and brief remarks.

Speaker Montenegro introduced Rai and praised his desire to serve the district, saying the institution carries "serious responsibilities" and urging him to act with integrity and respect for constituents. "This institution carries a carries serious responsibilities, Cody," the speaker said, emphasizing that votes cast by members have real impacts on the people they represent.

Rai repeated the oath of office, stating his name as "Cody Rai," and pledged to "support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and the laws of the State of Arizona" and to "bear true faith and allegiance." His oath concluded with "So help me God." After the oath, members offered congratulations and brief remarks.

A caucus leader welcomed Rai on behalf of party leadership and said the caucus looks forward to working with him. A member presented Rai with an official member lapel pin and also gave honorary pins for his children, encouraging him to remember the weight of each vote and to "never be swayed" from what he believes is right.

Representative Cruz, speaking for the minority leadership, described the swearing-in as an "awesome intimate moment" made more meaningful by family presence and offered the new lawmaker support in balancing the demands of public service with family life.

The ceremony ended with family photos and informal closing remarks from Speaker Montenegro. Members noted the personal and ceremonial significance of the oath but did not take any formal votes or make policy decisions during the event.

Note on name spelling: the transcript contains multiple inconsistent renderings of the new member's surname; Rai is the name the new representative stated during the oath and is used here.