The Kennedys are back in Congress
(CNN) - After a two-year absence, the famed Kennedy family once again has an elected representative in national politics.
Joe Kennedy III will serve Massachusetts' 4th Congressional District, having handily defeated GOP opponent Sean Bielat, according to a CNN projection.
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The seat became open when longtime Democratic Rep Barney Frank, who has been a leading proponent of financial regulations, announced he was retiring earlier this year.
Kennedy is the 32-year-old grandson of the slain New York Senator Robert Kennedy. His great-uncles are the late President John F. Kennedy and long-time Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, who died in office in 2009.
Democratic Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island left office in January 2011, ending his family's 64-year streak of service in the U.S. Congress.
Joe Kennedy III is a former prosecutor and Peace Corps member; Bielat is a businessman and Marine Corps reservist.
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YEAH!!! I am so happy for you Joe Kennedy! Continued success and please keep our retired and disabled citizens above poverty!
He looks like Bobby (except for the red hair). I miss all the Kennedys – they truly care about people. ALL people.
Excellent! Young Democrats with vision and a legacy of public service.