OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma's newest state senator is officially on the job.

Republican Greg Childers took his oath of office Wednesday afternoon during a ceremony in the Senate chamber at the Capitol.

The 41-year-old won 60 percent of the vote over Democrat Kenneth Meador last week to capture the District 43 seat that includes parts of southern Oklahoma and northern Cleveland counties.

The post was vacated by Republican Jim Reynolds, who stepped down this summer to become Cleveland County treasurer.

Childers will serve the remaining year of Reynolds' term. Because of redistricting, District 43 then will be moved south to include portions of McClain, Comanche, Garvin and Stephens counties. Childers would have to move in order to run for re-election in 2012.