WASHINGTON — Terri A. Sewell of Selma is now officially the congresswoman from Alabama’s 7th District.

Sewell, a former Birmingham attorney, Wednesday formally assumed the position when she took the oath of office at the Capitol in a mass swearing-in of the new Congress.

She is the first African-American woman to represent Alabama in Congress.

“I am excited and honored to have have the opportunity to serve the 7th Congressional District of Alabama, which includes my hometown of Selma,” Sewell said .

“This opportunity to advocate on behalf of my home district is a privilege and I will take my responsibilities as a member of Congress very seriously. I stand on the shoulders of the many women and men who have worked tirelessly to break barriers for women and minorities like those who marched in my hometown of Selma for justice and equality. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working to create jobs, improve our infrastructure and strengthen our public education,” she continued in the prepared statement.

Sewell cast five votes in line with her Democratic Party colleagues on the rules for the 112th Congress.

During the day, she also appeared on CBS Evening News with anchor Katie Couric, featured as one of three new members of Congress.

The interview centered on Sewell as “outnumbered almost 10-1,” as a Democrat with challenges.

“I think it doesn’t really change our mission and our job,” Sewell said in answer to Couric’s question. “I think that the folks that elected us sent us here to do their bidding. Irrespective of who’s in the majority, they really want us to focus on their issues.”