Jennifer L. McClellan has donned a new title — state senator.

The 44-year-old Richmond Democrat and corporate lawyer was sworn in last Friday as one of 40 members of the upper chamber just three days after voters elected her to the 9th Senate District seat.

That leaves her former seat in the House of Delegates vacant — but that 71st House District seat is to be filled quickly. A special election is now set for Tuesday, Feb. 7, Richmond Voter Registar Kirk Showalter stated Wednesday after receiving notice.

Sen. McClellan replaces U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin, who was elected to represent the 4th Congressional District in November.

The state Senate waived its rule requiring state election officials to certify the results of the Jan. 10 special election before she could take her seat.

The rules also were waived to swear in Lynchburg lawyer Mark Peake, a Republican who won the 22nd Senate District seat during a special election that district.

The arrival of the new senators keeps the Senate in Republican hands by a margin of 21-19.

With Sen. McClellan’s move, the 100-member House now has 66 Republicans and 33 Democrats.

The front-runner to replace her in the House is Richmond School Board member Jeff M. Bourne, 40.

As yet unchallenged, Mr. Bourne announced last week that he would seek the seat. He would give up his School Board seat and his current post as a deputy attorney general if he is elected.

On Tuesday, he announced endorsements from 18 Democrats who currently hold or formerly held elective positions in the city or the General Assembly, as well as others active in the party, such as James “J.J.” Minor, chairman of the Richmond Democratic Committee and president of the Richmond Branch NAACP.

Mr. Bourne would face a regular election in November to retain the seat the following two years. Sen. McClellan will not have to run for a full, four-year Senate term until 2019.