Oklahoma Republican Senators Choose New Party Leader-Elect • Oklahoma Voice

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate on Monday named Lonnie Paxton as its Senate President-elect pro tempore.

Paxton, R-Tuttle, said he was honored that his colleagues put their trust in him.

“I plan to lead from the front and continue to unite our caucus while reaching across party lines, across the Rotunda and into the executive branch to strengthen our state,” he said. “I firmly believe that Oklahoma’s best days are ahead of us and we can only reach our full potential if we work together.”

Paxton will replace Senate President pro tempore Greg Treat (R-Oklahoma City), who is term-limited.

Monday’s vote came after Republican Senate Majority Leader Greg McCortney lost his June 18 primary by 261 votes to challenger Jonathan Wingard of Ada, who was elected to the office in February.

The Senate Republican caucus will vote again on Paxton’s selection in November with newly elected and re-elected members.

The full Senate will vote in January.

Paxton is an insurance agent, real estate company owner, farmer and rancher, a volunteer firefighter, and a graduate of Tuttle High School and the University of Oklahoma.

Paxton is a former mayor and city councilman and former president of the Tuttle Chamber of Commerce. He has served in the Senate since 2016.

“He is a proven conservative and will be a great leader for the Senate,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “I wish him well in his new role and look forward to the Senate’s new chapter under his leadership.”

However, not everyone was happy with the choice.

Senator David Bullard (R-Durant), who reportedly ran against Paxton for the leadership post, issued a press release before the vote accusing the Senate of ignoring the will of the people.

“To maintain their power, an unnecessary election of the designated Senate candidate pro tempore was scheduled at our State Capitol during the Republican National Convention,” Bullard said. “Even now, after an assassination attempt on President Trump, they are still hell-bent on rigging their election.”

Joe Biden is president.

A gunman attempted to assassinate Trump on Saturday as he addressed supporters at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

A bullet hit Trump in the ear. One rally participant was killed and two others injured.

Trump is expected to accept the Republican nomination later this week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“Make no mistake, this is not a simple oversight,” Bullard said. “This date was chosen specifically to ensure that not all of the state’s senators would be able to vote because of their attendance at the convention.”

Lawmakers met in a special session Monday to confirm Stitt’s appointment of Jennifer Callahan to the Oklahoma A&M University Board of Regents.