Senator Lonnie Paxton will be the President Pro Tempore for the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. The Senate Republican Caucus voted for Paxton to be the next leader of the Senate, succeeding term-limited Pro Tem Senator Greg Treat.
“I am grateful to my fellow members who chose me to lead the Senate moving forward,” Pro Tem Designee Paxton said. “The Oklahoma Legislature has never been in a better position overall to make changes and pass legislation that benefit Oklahomans. I am excited for this new chapter, and I will work every day to ensure we continue to build on our success. I have learned many lessons during my time in the Senate.
“Whether a member of the Senate Republican Caucus voted for me or voted for Senator Bullard, I look forward to working directly with new and returning members, House Speaker-Designee Kyle Hilbert, Governor Kevin Stitt and our federal Congressional delegation to ensure Oklahoma is a destination for people who want to live, work and raise a family.”
Paxton will face the full vote of the Senate on January 7, 2025, the Legislative Organization Day. That vote will include the Senate Democrats.
Paxton also named his choices for Senate Majority Floor Leader, Senate Appropriations Chair and Vice Chair.
Senator Julie Daniels has been asked by Paxton to serve as the next Senate’s Floor Leader.
“I’m grateful to Pro Tem Designee Paxton for giving me the opportunity to serve the Senate as floor leader,” Daniels said. “Handling how bills get assigned to committees and making sure they move off the Senate floor is a complex task that requires a significant amount of work behind the scenes. I’m ready for this new challenge, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues in the upcoming session.”
Senator Chuck Hall will continue in his role as Appropriations Chair.
“I’m honored Pro Tem Designee Paxton reappointed me to serve as Appropriations Chair,” Hall said. “Last year, the Senate crafted a state budget through the most public-facing process in modern history. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues, members of the House and executive branch officials to improve that open and transparent process to build a fiscally responsible budget that benefits all Oklahomans.”
Senator John Haste has been named as the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named Vice Chair of Appropriations, and I want to thank Pro Tem Designee Paxton for his confidence in me,” Haste said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Sen. Hall and my other Senate colleagues in this new role to make responsible and strategic spending decisions for the people of Oklahoma and to ensure our state’s resources are directed where they’ll make the greatest impact.”
Senate Democrats also will have leadership changes. Senator Julia Kirt will take over as Senate Minority Leader from outgoing Senator Kay Floyd. Senator Michael Brooks is the new Senate Democrat Caucus Chair. He will replace Senator Kevin Matthews in that role.
