Democrat Travis W. Childers of Mississippi was sworn in Tuesday, bringing the chamber to a full 435 members for the first time since early 2007. Democrats now control the House by 236-199, a net pickup of three since the 110th Congress began.

Democrats whooped it up when a House clerk read the declaration of Childers’ election. The Republican side of the House chamber was stonily silent.

Childers’ victory last Tuesday in the once-solidly Republican 1st District over GOP candidate Greg Davis marked Democrats’ third special-election win in three months.

In his brief remarks to the House, Childers said his priorities were creating jobs and balancing budgets, the same goals he pursued in 16 years as Prentiss County chancery clerk, in the northern part of Mississippi. He also mentioned rising prices for gasoline and health care as issues that resonate with his constituents.

“I want to thank every single person who had a part in my life, and they were so many,’’ said Childers, who singled out his wife, mother, children, and his late father and grandparents.

“I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work,’’ he added.

The last time the House had a full 435 members was Feb. 13, 2007, when Republican Charlie Norwood of Georgia died.

Since then, four House Republicans have resigned, while Norwood and two others have died. Three Democrats have died in office during the 110th Congress, and one resigned.

The Democrats picked up their three House seats in districts in Illinois, Louisiana and Mississippi that were previously dominated by the GOP.

In the 14th District of Illinois, former Speaker J. Dennis Hastert resigned Nov. 26 and was replaced by Democrat Bill Foster in an March 8 special election.

Louisiana’s Baton Rouge-area 6th District seat, which Republican Richard H. Baker left Feb. 2 to head a hedge fund lobbying group, was filled by Democrat Don Cazayoux in a May 3 special election run-off.

And a week ago Childers won the latest open seat. Republican Roger Wicker left the 1st District seat when he resigned Dec. 31 to accept an appointment to replace Republican Trent Lott in the Senate. Lott left to form a K Street partnership with former Democratic Sen. John B. Breaux of Louisiana.