Sen. Lonnie Paxton Elected New Senate Pro-Tem Designee

At the state Capitol, lawmakers have elected a new Senate Pro-Tem designee.

Republican Senator Lonnie Paxton of Tuttle is set to lead the Senate next year.

This was an unprecedented vote on Monday, made after the previous pro tem designee Greg McCortney wasn't reelected during the June primary.

But current Pro-Tem Sen. Greg Treat says it’s just part of the process.

"None of us expected Senator McCortney not to get reelected, so it's kind of a weird feeling to come in and do a pro tem designee vote a second time, but this process is a four-step process anyways, this just adds a fourth step," said Treat.

The next step will be a final vote in November before Senator Lonnie Paxton can officially be named Senate Pro-Tem.

Paxton has served in the state senate since 2016, he served in the Tuttle community as a businessman, entrepreneur, volunteer firefighter, farmer, and rancher.

Paxton said in a statement today:

“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."

Governor Kevin Stitt also applauded Paxton on Monday, calling him "a great Oklahoman and strong leader who cares deeply about the future of our state."

Current Pro-Tem Treat will continue serving over the next few months until he terms out in November.