RUFUS – Governor Rivera, New Shire’s 46th Governor, was sworn in for the state’s first four-year term, and his very first elected term, having succeeded to the governorship following then-Governor Lynn Rodgers death in July. He will serve until 2030 during his current term.

His oath of office was administered just after Lieutenant Governor Brendan MacDonald who was issued his oath of office at 8:56 AM. After being sworn in, he voiced his support for minority groups and the LGBTQ community, vowing to “continue his support to the community,” and “safeguarding their rights as people of New Shire.”

“For too long, we have seen Republicans talk down the very people they serve, the members of the LGBTQ community and the lack of respect for these individuals,” said Governor Rivera. “We must work to continue safeguard transgender individuals and work to push for more respect and understanding for these folks. I will work day and night to ensure that these individuals are respected and treated equally, and will not waiver in that mission.”

Rivera said that he expects to push forward even more legislation aimed at preventing hate crimes against the community, expanding upon the 2024 Anti-LGBTQ Hate Prevention Act. He said that he would work “closely” with New Shire Representatives and Senators to get more protections for these individuals.

“We must not let Republicans continue to strip away rights at the speed of light that we have seen in the federal government,” continued Rivera. “I am committing our state to being even more open and inclusive of the community and will work with our Legislature to promote the community, work to establish programs and community centers to serve the needs of members of the LGBTQ community. We will fight the Laylin Administration’s hateful, vitriol against the community and we will not back down from a constitutional fight with the Administration.”

Rivera will not serve until 2030, with the new four-year taking effect today. New Shire voted to extend the terms to four years, with a governor only allowed to serve two terms equaling 8 years in 2022. This will give him time to fight and have legal challenges to unconstitutional laws passed by the Republican-led Congress.