OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — The Senate Republican Caucus nominated the Oklahoma Senate’s next President Pro Tempore on Monday, and he quickly got to work naming key leadership positions.
Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, officially got the nod to be the Senate’s next pro tem.
Paxton is now in line to serve as leader of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. The final confirmation vote will be held on Jan. 7, the Senate’s Organization Day. Both Senate Republicans and Democrats will vote.
“I am grateful to my fellow members who chose me to lead the Senate moving forward,” 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.”
Paxton said he is ready to working with his fellow leaders at the Capitol.
“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 said.
Paxton will succeed Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, who is terming out of the office this month.
Treat, who won his District 47 State Senate seat in a 2011 special election, has been the pro tem since 2019 and was re-elected to the position in 2021 and 2023.
Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, was selected in February to be the new pro tem, but he was unable to fill the position because he lost his Republican primary race in June.
Paxton is setting the table for the 60th Legislature, naming key members of his leadership team.
He appointed Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, as the Senate Majority Floor Leader, Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, as Appropriations Chairman and Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, as Vice Chairman of Appropriations.
“Each of these individuals are experienced lawmakers and will serve in critical roles as the Senate prepares for the upcoming legislative session,” Paxton said. “Senators Daniels, Hall and Haste have shown tremendous dedication to the state and a commitment to improving Oklahoma. Their leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we work on issues that matter most to those we serve, from budget allocations to legislative priorities that are heard on the Senate floor. Our caucus is united in its vision to advance Oklahoma. This team will play a pivotal role in helping create policies that reflect our state’s values and priorities.”
Daniels, as floor leader, will direct the flow of legislation on the Senate floor, ensure effective debate, and manage the legislative agenda. She will be the second woman to serve as the 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.”
Hall will continue overseeing the Senate’s budget-writing process. He is tasked with guiding the development of a financially prudent spending plan for the state in an open and transparent manner. He was named appropriations chairman near the end of the last legislative session after previously serving as vice chairman and as the Senate lead on the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding.
“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.”
Haste is known for his background in transportation and aerospace policy. He has served on multiple committees. He will work closely with Hall to address budget needs across state agencies.
“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.”
