Oklahoma Senate Republican Caucus names new Pro Tem designee

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — On Monday, Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) was selected as Pro Tem designee by the Senate Republican Caucus.

“First and foremost, I appreciate my Senate Republican colleagues for their confidence in me to assume this role,” Paxton said. “I also thank current Pro Tem Treat for his willingness to guide me and show me how to be effective in this role as he has been. Pro Tem Treat has served Oklahoma nobly as a Senator and as the leader of the Senate. I applaud his service and wish him well after he terms out of office in November.

“I plan to lead from the front and further unify our caucus, while reaching across the aisle, across the rotunda and to the executive branch to enhance our state. I truly believe Oklahoma’s best days are in front of us and we can only reach our full potential by working together.”

Paxton was elected to the Oklahoma Senate in 2016, and serves as chair of the Senate Energy Committee as well as vice chair of the Senate Rules Committee.

Several Oklahoma leaders congratulated Paxton on his appointment.

Senator Paxton has done a great job during his tenure as a Senator in serving in various roles including his efforts on redistricting and has brought thoughtful insight to the Senate Republican Caucus leadership team. I have no doubt he will uphold the office of the pro tem, set high standards and continue our efforts to make Oklahoma the best place to live, work and raise a family. As I reach the end of my term in office, I am happy to provide guidance and prepare Senator Paxton to the best of my ability to be successful in this role moving forward.

Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City

Lonnie is a great Oklahoman and strong leader who cares deeply about the future of our state. He believes in our Top Ten agenda—and I look forward to working with him on cutting taxes, shrinking government, making Oklahoma the best state for businesses to thrive, and preserving the Oklahoma way of life. He is a proven conservative and will be a terrific leader for the Senate. I wish him the best as he takes on this new role, and look forward to the Senate’s new chapter under his leadership.

Governor Kevin Stitt

I’ve served with Senator Paxton for six years in the Senate and am continually impressed by his commitment to public service. I look forward to working with him in our leadership roles to create bipartisan solutions for the biggest challenges our state faces and put people over politics.

Senator Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City