ALBANY, N.Y. -- David Paterson struck a tone of confidence and optimism when he became New York State's first black governor on Monday.

The Harlem Democrat took the oath of office just after 1 p.m. in a ceremony at the state Capitol in Albany. Lawmakers in attendance cheered and chanted his name as he prepared to give his inaugural address.

Spitzer stepped down amid allegations he spent tens of thousands of dollars on high-priced prostitutes.

Paterson promised to help the state heal from the scandal that ended Spitzer's term after 14 months, much of it spent in conflict with the Legislature.

The 53-year-old was first elected to the state Senate's Democratic minority in 1985 and became minority leader in 2002.

Paterson called his position a "daunting" one, but added that the state has "a job to do."