Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was sworn in as the subsequent U.S. ambassador to India Friday by Vice President Kamala Harris.

Members of Garcetti’s household had been available to witness the temporary ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Garcetti was confirmed by the U.S. Senate final week after an almost two-year course of dogged by lingering allegations that he ignored accusations of assault and sexual harassment in opposition to a former high aide.

Seven Republicans crossed the aisle to vote in favor of Garcetti within the 52-42 vote, however three fellow Democrats voted nay.

In a press release following the vote, Garcetti stated he was “thrilled with today’s outcome, which was a decisive and bipartisan decision to fill a critical post that has been vacant for far too long. Now the hard work begins.”

“I’m ready and eager to begin my service representing our critical interests in India,” he stated.

President Joe Biden initially nominated Garcetti for the submit on July 9, 2021. After it stalled, Biden re-nominated him in January.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated in a press release she appears ahead to working with Garcetti in his new function.

“I congratulate former Mayor Garcetti on his confirmation to serve as our country’s ambassador to the world’s largest democracy. His ability to strengthen our nation’s position in the world draws from his experience leading a global city, an academic background in international affairs, service as a Navy intelligence officer and the full confidence of the President,” she stated Thursday. “Los Angeles is an international hub, and I look forward to working with Eric as he represents our nation in New Delhi.”

An investigation requested by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, final yr concluded that it was “more probable than not” that former Garcetti senior adviser Rick Jacobs “sexually harassed multiple individuals and made racist comments towards others.” It additionally discovered it “extremely unlikely” that Garcetti was unaware of the habits, saying that “by all accounts, Mayor Garcetti is very involved in the day-to-day operation of his office.”

The White House blasted the report, saying in a press release, “This partisan report was a hit job from the beginning, and many of the claims have already been conclusively debunked by more serious independent reports. The president has confidence in Mayor Garcetti and believes he will be an excellent representative in India at a critical moment and calls for the Senate to swiftly confirm him.”

Garcetti has repeatedly denied any information of alleged harassing habits by Jacobs. Following the report’s launch, he stated in a press release that he “strongly” disagreed with its conclusions.