Politics
Oklahoma Senate Republicans Back Lonnie Paxton for Another Term as Pro Tem
Senate Republicans unanimously nominated Lonnie Paxton to lead the chamber for the 61st Oklahoma Legislature, with a full floor vote set for January 5. Paxton pledged to focus on responsible budgeting, education and accountability.
Oklahoma Senate Republicans have nominated Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton to continue leading the chamber as president pro tempore for the 61st Oklahoma Legislature. The nomination came during a Tuesday meeting of the Senate Republican Caucus, where Paxton ran unopposed.
The full Senate is scheduled to vote on the nomination on January 5, the Legislature's organizational day. If confirmed, Paxton will preside over the Senate through the 2027 and 2028 legislative sessions.
In a statement, Paxton said he was honored by the continued support of his colleagues and emphasized a legislative agenda centered on fiscal discipline and government accountability.
"Serving as pro tem is a responsibility I take seriously, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished together," Paxton said. "We have important work ahead of us, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our members to advance policies that strengthen Oklahoma, protect taxpayers and create opportunities for our citizens."
He added that the caucus remains focused on "responsible budgeting, strengthening our economy, improving education and ensuring state government remains accountable to the people we serve."
The nomination signals continuity in Senate leadership as Republicans prepare for the next legislative session. Paxton's unopposed status within the caucus suggests broad support among Republican senators for his leadership approach.
The 61st Oklahoma Legislature will convene in January, with the organizational day vote marking the formal start of the session. Democrats and independents in the Senate will also have an opportunity to weigh in on the nomination during that floor vote.