Congressman Michael Guest was sworn into office on January 3, 2019, becoming the 20th Representative to hold the seat since its creation in 1847. Around 150 Mississippians attended the ceremonial swearing-in at the Library of Congress, Whittall Pavilion. Among the speakers were Congressman Harper, Congressman Trent Kelly, Senator Roger Wicker, Congressman Guest’s son – Kennedy Guest, his pastor – Dr. Clarence Cooper, and his Chief of Staff – Jordan Downs. Congressman Guest took the oath with his hand on two bibles belonging to his sons, Kennedy and Patton. The transcribed speech can be found below, and Michael’s official Congressional photo is attached.
“Haley and I want to thank you for you being with us today on this special occasion. When our family announced our decision to run for this seat one year ago, we could only guess what the Lord held in store for us. As I stand here ready to undertake this responsibility of a lifetime, I am reminded of many of the memories over the last year. But most importantly, I am thankful to be in Washington, D.C. with my closest friends, family members, and colleagues.
Everyone in this room is here because this moment in our lives would not be complete without you. Without the help of the people in this room, I would not be standing here today. Your hard work and dedication has made our success possible. As I prepare for this new position, I am overcome with the great responsibility that comes with this office. I do not take this opportunity to serve the people of Mississippi lightly, but I know that I will not be serving alone.
First, I have a great family. I have a wonderful wife, Haley, who has stood by my side as a friend and partner throughout life. In addition to her, my greatest blessings are our sons, Kennedy and Patton. And, I have two loving parents, Terry and Pat Guest, who instilled in me a firm faith for our heavenly Father and who raised me to understand the importance of standing for what is right. I am also blessed to have wonderful in-laws, Phyllis and Tom Kennedy, who have always loved me like a son. We would not be here today without the love and support of my sister and brother-in-law, Gina and Raymond Kennedy, and their three daughters, Chatham, Maclain, and Sara Michael, and my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Amber and Mitch Thompson, and their daughters, Mary Conley and Caroline. In fact, Mary Conley, gave up her summer to move to Mississippi from Texas to help with our campaign.
Second, a great staff is joining me. Some are lifelong friends who I have had the opportunity to work with, and others are individuals with experiences serving under some of the greatest public servants of our lifetime, including Congressman Gregg Harper, Congressman Trent Kelly, Congressman Chip Pickering, Congressman Sonny Montgomery, Congressman Mike Parker, Senator Roger Wicker, Senator Thad Cochran, and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, to name a few. Each person brings their own unique set of talents, but they all share a common commitment to serving the people of Mississippi.
Finally, I also take on this responsibility with the support of a great community of leaders, friends, and mentors. Each one of you has provided an example of what it means to be a good person, to commit oneself to something greater than ourselves, and to lend a helping hand to ensure that the nation we leave our children and grandchildren has even greater opportunities than those we enjoy. I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of some incredible people who have set a precedent of service for me to follow.
When I am sworn in as your representative today, I will be making a promise to you and all Mississippians. I will promise to serve as a Representative of the people. I will promise to uphold the morals and values we hold dear as a family, as a community, as a state, and as a nation. I will promise to remain humble and hold the responsibilities of this office in the highest regard, and I will promise to represent the people of Mississippi in a way that brings honor and glory to our Heavenly Father.
May God bless you, may God bless the great state of Mississippi, and may God bless the United States of America.”
Congressman Michael Guest Press Release
1/3/2019
Sarah Ulmer
