RUFUS – New Shire Governor David Rivera has chosen the Late Senator Larry Cofelt’s successor. Former House Speaker and current Representative Nolan Burmaster was asked to fill the late Senator’s seat ahead of the September 5 Senate election.

“Burmaster has served our state honorably both as a Representative and as House Speaker,” said Governor David Rivera. “We know the need to ensure that the constituency is represented as we prepare to enter the 2026 Senate Elections which will be held in September. Burmaster had been top of mind during my considerations and we know that he will do not only New Shire but Larry Cofelt proud in serving in the Senate.”

Governor Rivera also issued that he would work to find a successor to Burmaster’s House seat which will become vacant upon him assuming office as the 2nd Senator From New Shire. Rivera said he is working to clip or at least reduce the Republican majority by appointing qualified and popular replacements when vacancies arise.

“I am honored to be able to fill the seat of the late Senator Larry Cofelt who served New Shire in Congress as its 2nd Senator from 2010 until his untimely death and I am honored to fill the seat of a man who devoted his life to public service. I thank Governor Rivera for this opportunity and look forward to serving the people of New Shire in this new role.”

Senate leadership say that Burmaster will likely be sworn in Saturday or Sunday morning as they say the Senate has halted business until after the internment of Cofelt following his funeral. Cofelt will lay in state at the Jesstopian Capitol until Saturday.

“We won’t see Mr. Burmaster sworn in as the 2nd Senator until either Saturday evening or Sunday morning as we focus on honoring the life and legacy of the late Senator Larry Cofelt,” said interim Senate Minority Leader Vicky White. “We know that constituents represented by the 2nd Senator want the seat filled quickly but all Senate activity is halted until Sen. Cofelt is interred, which is not scheduled until Saturday.”

Governor Rivera announced Burmaster’s appointment to succeed Larry Cofelt via his personal GovMedia account, giving tribute to his service to the people of New Shire in Congress.

“Burmaster has an extensive career in Congress and has proven and displayed results and will represent the constituency well and I know he will make the late Senator Cofelt proud,” wrote Governor Rivera on his GovMedia account. “I am pleased to send him to the Senate to advance the work of Mr. Cofelt.”