WASHINGTON — Cory Booker is the newest member of the U.S. Senate.

Vice President Joe Biden swore in Booker in the Old Senate Chamber today.

The former mayor of Newark, N.J., becomes the second African American in the Senate. The other is Republican Tim Scott of South Carolina.

Booker took the oath on his own Bible. The Democrat was surrounded by family, including his mother and brother. His father died Oct. 10.

Booker and his mother met with Majority Leader Harry Reid this morning. This afternoon, he’ll meet with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office.

Booker is serving out the remaining term of the late Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who died in June.

The Democratic majority stands at 55 senators.