The New York state Senate's newest member has taken office, ending a lengthy saga in the chamber after his expelled predecessor was convicted of assault.

Democratic Sen. Jose Peralta replaces Hiram Monserrate (HY'-ruhm mahn-suh-RAHT').

Senators expelled Monserrate in February after he received a misdemeanor conviction for dragging his girlfriend through an apartment lobby.

Monserrate failed to get his expulsion blocked but got on the ballot for the special election to fill his old seat in Queens. He apologized for any discredit he brought to the Senate but said surveillance footage of him pulling his girlfriend showed him taking her to a hospital.

Senators gave Peralta a standing ovation Wednesday after his swearing in.

The event gives back Democrats the minimum 32-member majority needed to pass legislation without any of the 30 Senate Republicans.