From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Republican Caucus met last week and nominated Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) to serve as the next President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate.
If the final vote during the Senate’s Organization Day on Jan. 7 is in favor of Paxton, he will replace current Pro Tem Greg Treat (R-Oklahoma City), who is term limited. The final vote will include members of both Senate Republicans and Democrats.
“I am grateful to my fellow members who chose me to lead the Senate moving forward,” Pro Tem Designee Paxton said in a legislative press release. “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.”
Paxton is a fifth-generation Oklahoman, born in Chickasha and raised on his family’s farm in Tuttle. He represents Senate District 23, which includes portions of Grady and Canadian counties, and has been involved in his community for many years as a businessman, entrepreneur, volunteer firefighter, farmer and rancher.
First elected in 2016, Pro Tem Designee Paxton has focused on issues such as economic development, education, public safety and served as the co-chairman on the Joint Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Rural Development.
He has leaned on his background in business and civic experience to shape his policy positions in the state Senate to benefit the state.
Also, last week, Paxton named key members of his potential leadership team, which includes Sen. Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville) as Senate Majority Floor Leader, Sen. Chuck Hall (R-Perry) as Appropriations Chairman, and Sen. John Haste (R-Broken Arrow) as Vice Chairman of Appropriations.