NORWICH – A crowd of more than 200 rose to their feet in the packed Chenango County courtroom Monday in a standing ovation as Elizabeth Garry was sworn in as State Supreme Court Judge for the Sixth Judicial District. Garry wiped tears from her eyes as supporters cheered and applauded her vigorously for well over a minute.

Garry was sworn in at a special session of Chenango County Supreme Court, presided over by County Supreme Court Judge Kevin M. Dowd, Judge Phillip D. Rumsey and Judge Robert C. Mulvey. Garry made history by becoming the first Democrat ever elected to the Supreme Court in the Sixth District. Irad Ingraham, Garry’s mentor and retired Supreme Court Judge, administered the oath during the ceremony. “Truly a historic occasion, truly a historic accomplishment,” said Ingraham as he described Garry’s victory as a “result of courage, determination and ability.”

Garry, who is from New Berlin, won in a tight race against Republican Dennis McDermott. Ingraham served as a New York Supreme Court Justice for 12 years and was Garry’s campaign chair.