AUGUSTA (AP) — Bruce Poliquin will serve on the House Financial Services Committee after he’s sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Republican elected to fill Maine’s 2nd Congressional District seat was tapped by his House GOP leadership to serve on the committee that handles housing, banking, insurance and other economic issues.

Poliquin said in a statement that he looks forward to “standing up for the interests” of Maine families and small businesses in Washington. He said “government must work tirelessly to protect” consumers.

Poliquin defeated Democrat Emily Cain and independent Blaine Richardson for the seat that represents Maine’s vast, rural district, which is being left open by Democratic Rep. Mike Michaud’s departure.

Poliquin will be sworn into the House on Jan. 6.