OKLAHOMA CITY – Although opening day of the First Session of the 60th Legislature is still about three months away, state legislators have been busy laying the groundwork.
First order of business took place last week, Nov. 20, when new representatives were officially sworn into office. In addition, House Republicans elected their new caucus leadership, which includes Caucus Chair Rep. Stan May (R-Broken Arrow); Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Nick Archer (R-Elk City); and Caucus Secretary Rep. Josh Cantrell (R-Kingston).
Three new members were welcomed to the House Democratic Caucus, which include Rep. Ellen Pogemiller (D-Oklahoma City); Rep. Ron Stewart (D-Tulsa); and Rep. Michelle Mc-Cane (D-Tulsa).
The House will consist of 81 Republicans and 20 Democrats, according to a legislative press release. There are 17 new members and 84 returning members.
After eight years of serving as Speaker of the House, Rep. Charles McCall (R-Atoka) will turn the gavel over, after terming out following 12 years of total service. Rep. Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow) was nominated as Speaker-elect last week. He has served as Speaker Pro Tempore for the House since 2022. Hilbert, 30, will be the youngest House Speaker in state history and only the second Republican Speaker 30 years old or younger in any state since 1873, according to a legislative press release.
The Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives is the body’s chief presiding officer and is responsible for committee appointments, the flow of legislation and the management of the House budget and staff. The Speaker also serves as an ex-officio voting member on all House committees.
Rep. Anthony Moore (R-Clinton) was nominated last week by the House Republican Caucus to become the new Speaker Pro Tempore-elect. The Speaker Pro Tempore serves as the chamber’s second highest officer and assists leadership in all facets of administering the business of the House. This position is a voting member on all House committees.
During Organizational Day on Jan. 7, the entire body of the House will formally vote for its next Speaker and Speaker Pro Tempore. Senate Hilbert will assume legislative leadership with Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) who was recently nominated by his caucus to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore-elect.
“I have worked closely with Sen. Paxton on significant legislation, including combatting ghost employees and allowing gubernatorial appointment when there is a U.S. Senate vacancy, and look forward to partnering with him and Gov. Stitt as we build on the momentum from Election Day for a conservative vision for Oklahoma,” Hilbert said in a press release.
In addition to new Senate members being sworn into office on Nov. 13, the Senate Re-publican Caucus elected Sen. Warren Hamilton (R-McCurtain) as its Caucus Vice Chair. Sen. Dave Rader (R-Tulsa) will remain as Senate Caucus Chair.
Of the 48 Oklahoma Senate seats, 39 are held by Republicans. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell is the president of the Senate.