Democrat David Funkhouser is sworn in by Chief Justice Ruth McGregor to take over the District 11 House seat vacated by Mark DeSimone. (Photo by Bill Coates)

The state House once again has a full complement of lawmakers, as David Funkhouser III was sworn in to fill the vacancy created last month when Democrat Mark DeSimone resigned.

 “I look forward to serving the good people of district 11,” said Funkhouser, 30. He said he would do his best with his term, “however short it may be.”

He will serve the remaining four months of DeSimone’s term, which expires at the end of the year.

Funkhouser serves as a Democratic precinct committeeman for District 11 and was appointed to the Legislature by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Funkhouser replaces DeSimone after the first-term lawmaker resigned in July after being arrested the month before for allegedly assaulting his wife.  Funkhouser had only praise for the outgoing legislator, stating that DeSimone had done a “fine job” with his time in office.

Asked about future political aspirations, Funkhouser said that he would, “see how this goes, and play it by ear.”