SEATTLE -- King County has a new county executive Tuesday.

Dow Constantine took the oath of office in downtown Seattle shortly after 4 p.m. after winning nearly 60 percent of the vote.

Just before he was sworn in, the results of the November election were certified.

Constantine took office Tuesday instead of waiting until January because he replaces Ron Sims, who left before his term expired.

In his inaugural remarks, Constantine promised to change the way King County serves the public.

One of the biggest challenges Constantine faces is closing the $56 million budget gap for 2011.

Constantine took the oath before 300 people at Daniels Recital Hall in Seattle. He chose the hall for the ceremony because of his role in preserving the former church.