TRENTON He rose from the humble beginnings of being an ironworker, but, on Tuesday, Stephen Sweeney was sworn in as New Jersey's newest Senate president.

The move, which has been anticipated since the South Jersey Democrat announced last year that he had the votes, came as the result of a unanimous vote.

With Republican Chris Christie set to be sworn in as governor next week, Sweeney has now been propelled to the most powerful Democrat-held position in New Jersey government.

"I accept this task with great humility and an iron-clad belief that New Jersey's best days are ahead of us," said Sweeney, D-3, of West Deptford. "I will bring the work ethic here that I did in my career as an ironworker. Today, I envision the beginning of a new era."

With his family by his side, Sweeney took the oath shortly after 12:30 p.m. to mark the beginning of the 214th Legislative Session.

He was blunt in his remarks, saying the state needs a "complete makeover."

"We can no longer ignore that we can save through the consolidation of services," said Sweeney. "We must throw out old, tired ways of thinking. To be successful, we must reduce the size of government."

Sweeney, the general organizer for the International Association of Ironworkers, also serves as freeholder director in Gloucester County.

In what became a hard-fought battle between Democrats, Sweeney secured the support to oust Senate President Richard Codey, a fellow Democrat who held the title for eight years.

For Codey, who spent 14 months as governor when then-Gov. James McGreevey abruptly resigned in November 2004, it has been a quick fall from power. He and Sweeney battled for months over the top spot until the South Jersey Democrat announced late last year that he "had the votes.

Shortly after Sweeney took the oath to become Senate president, he and Codey exchanged pleasantries in a hallway at the Statehouse. After the two parted ways, Codey reminisced on his time at the top.

"I like to think that we did a good job," said Codey, of Essex County, who remains a member of the Senate. "We helped people regardless of geography or political party."

As for the man who managed to muscle the top spot away, Codey said that Sweeney should "stay grounded."

"He has to know when to pick his spots," Codey said in an interview. "You have to have that balance that the public wants to see."

As he sat in his new office Tuesday afternoon, Sweeney pledged change.

It will be a tough battle for Sweeney, who will now have to deal with a Republican governor. For Sweeney, however, he assured working together will not be a problem.

"I've negotiated for a living," said Sweeney, who praised those brought in by Christie to serve in his cabinet. "It doesn't mean we can't hold our own, but we're not just going to fight."

Sweeney said he shares many of the same views as Gov.-elect Christie, a former federal prosecutor who successfully prosecuted many politicians during his term as U.S. attorney.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr., R-Union, welcomed the idea of working in a bipartisan effort.

"For too long, the people have asked for solutions," said Kean. "They have seen only gimmicks and rhetoric. Change will not be easy and it will not be immediate, but we cannot wait any longer."

A large group of Sweeney supporters traveled to Trenton to cheer on the new Senate president.

Those close to Sweeney say he is ready for the challenges ahead of him.

"I think Stephen is going to be a fantastic president and he will bring to the position an ability to serve all people in the state of New Jersey," said state Sen. Fred Madden, D-4, of Washington Township. "His experience in government has well prepared him for the position he is taking."

Still unanswered is when exactly Sweeney will leave his job as county freeholder director. Sweeney reiterated he will transition out of the county post, but has not given a date. He will not run for re-election to the freeholder board when his term expires in 2011.

"I just think it's a wonderful thing for Gloucester County," Freeholder Jean DuBois said of Sweeney's appointment to president. "We're very proud of the job he does in the county. I'm looking forward to him doing the same thing as president."

Sweeney's rise to Senate president was not the only change in leadership on Tuesday, as Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver was sworn in as the next Assembly speaker Ð a move made possible with the retirement of Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr., D-5, of Camden.

Oliver, who becomes the first African American woman to lead a legislative house in New Jersey, said her goal is to address those problems facing "real people."

"After all, that's what the people of New Jersey clearly want," said Oliver, D-Essex. "They know we share their values of a quality education, access to health care, worker rights, creating a business-friendly environment and providing as much tax relief as possible."

For Sweeney, who admits he still has plenty to learn, the new leadership will work toward consensus.

"I don't think I have all the right ideas and I don't claim to, either," said Sweeney. "I want to talk to other members to get another opinion. The Senate is not about one man or one woman. It's about 40 people working together to get something done."