NEW YORK, NY May 22, 2009 —Former Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Junior has been sworn in as the 13th Bronx Borough president after winning in a special election last month with only five percent of Bronxites voting. WNYC's Elaine Rivera reports on yesterday's ceremony.

REPORTER: A who's who of state and city politics attended Diaz's official swearing in. From Governor David Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg to top state and city officials, they were there to give Diaz - as one elected official put it: "a love fest". Diaz, who's Latino, says he wants to put divisive politics behind him, and build a coalition in the Bronx with the help of both white and African American politicians.

DIAZ: Yes, one Bronx, un solo Bronx, this means young and old, regardless of your race, gender religion, ethnic background or sexual orientation.

REPORTER: Also in attendance was Diaz's father, State Senator Ruben Diaz Senior, who at times was gently ribbed for his opposition to the gay marriage bill, now stalled in the Senate. His more liberal son supports civil unions. Diaz Junior will have to run for borough president again, later this year, to get a full term. For WNYC, I'm Elaine Rivera.