Jon Budelmann stepped into his former boss's role Tuesday.

Cayuga County Judge Mark Fandrich swore in Budelmann as Cayuga County district attorney in front of more than 60 people, packed in the gallery of a full county courtroom.

Budelmann's 13 years with the district attorney's office give him confidence, but he realizes the responsibility that goes with the position, he said.

“It's been a goal for 15 years,” Budelmann said.

“Any time you accomplish a longtime goal, it's a landmark,” he said.

He won by more than 3,000 votes over his opponent, defense attorney Michael Bass, during the November general election as they both vied to replace James Vargason, who decided against running for a fifth term.

On Tuesday morning, Budelmann officially shed his former title of chief assistant district attorney.

Budelmann was born in the town of Onondaga and spent summers in Cato.

He and his wife, Michelle, moved to Auburn 12 years ago when he began working in the district attorney's office.

Before that, he worked for two years in the Madison County DA's office.

“I'll do my best to reward their trust in me and do the best job to the best of my ability,” Budelmann said.