by Itunuoluwa Adebo

Judge Neil Gorsuch has taken the first of two oaths to be sworn in as the newest Supreme Court justice Monday, after survived a grueling confirmation process where he faced Democrats still angered over Republicans’ blockade of former President Barack Obama’s nominee last year.

Gorsuch took the Constitutional Oath in a private ceremony, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts in the Supreme Court’s Justice’s Conference Room. He was accompanied by his wife Louise, who held the Bible, and his two daughters. The oath is to be followed by a public ceremony at the White House where his former boss Justice Anthony Kennedy will administer the Judicial Oath.

Gorsuch takes the seat of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February last year.

Historic day as @POTUS hosts swearing-in ceremony for Judge Neil Gorsuch at the @WhiteHouse. pic.twitter.com/9EfLapGRDc

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) April 10, 2017