Republican Greg Gianforte will be sworn into office today, officially becoming the state’s newest– and only– member of the U.S. House of Representatives, following his May 25 special election victory.  KTVQ.com reports the Bozeman software entrepreneur will take the seat held previously by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who resigned March 1st.  Gianforte’s swearing-in celebration comes just nine days after he pleaded guilty to an assault charge for choking, tackling and punching a reporter.

Gianforte’s assault on the UK Guardian’s Ben Jacobs brought even more national attention to a race that was already infamous for being the most expensive U.S. House race in Montana history– nearly $20 million– more than double the previous record.  The heat won’t dissipate much for the new congressman, who will be thrust immediately into some of the biggest issues facing the nation in recent history.

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