He has leased a "small studio" on Capitol Hill and says he hasn't eaten out in Washington enough to like anything but the House cafeteria. And though he is unmarried and without children, he says he plans to go home a lot.

Cotton will begin to build his staff, lay out his legislative priorities and work through the committee selection process in the next few weeks. When asked about what committees he would like, he listed a wide swath.

"Financial services, the arm services, budget, foreign affairs," he listed. "There is really no bad committees in my opinion. So many committees would be good for the district and the state."

Whatever committees he lands on, it is clear that Cotton wants to become a leader -- and have influence.

"I think it is just a matter of working hard and mastering your issues and trying to become a thought leader on certain subjects so that you can help influence and persuade your colleagues," Cotton concluded.

And, yes, he will attempt to become that thought leader from an office -- in Cannon.

After huffing it around the Capitol complex and carefully updating his spreadsheet, it's the congressman-elect's turn to select his first House office.

Cotton ended up with 415 Cannon, which executive assistant Eliza Baker said was very high on his list because its accessibility and meeting space would be the best office for serving constituents.

His staff is thrilled -- and likely tired -- and Cotton is ready for his next congressional mission.