On Wednesday, December 2, astronaut Mark Kelly was sworn in as Arizona's second Democratic Senator.
The swearing-in ceremony, performed by Vice President Mike Pence, also contained a little bit of shade. Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona's first bisexual Senator, held the Bible for Kelly during the big moment.
Sinema's wardrobe for the much-photographed moment included a zebra-print coat and a purple wig.
Many people online felt Sinema's fashion choices were directed at Pence, who has a long history of enforcing anti-LGBTQ policies.
Twitter loved the images from the ceremony, which quickly went viral.
For many, the image seemed to represent the old ways welcoming a new normal into Congress.
With Kelly becoming a part of the Senate, Republicans' majority in the chamber shrinks to two.
The owners of those two seats will be decided in the Georgia runoff elections in January.
Perhaps it's time Congress looked a little bit more like the nation they represent.
And that most definitely means more zebra print.
A spokesperson for Sinema told The Arizona Republic the Senator is wearing cheap colorful wigs to show solidarity with Americans practicing social distancing—especially at hair salons—during the pandemic.
Spokesperson Hannah Hurley stated:
"Kyrsten is continuing to call attention to the need for all of us to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing — which she is diligently practicing, including from her hair salon."
The wigs cover Sinema's natural color as she avoids getting her hair done. The Senator usually sports platinum blond tresses courtesy of a hair stylist.
This was doubtless one of Mike Pence's more memorable swearing-in ceremonies...though probably not for the reasons he'd like.
What will mother think?
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