Oklahoma Senate Republicans, Democrats name new leaders ahead of 2025 session

Oklahoma’s legislative leadership is shaping up in the Senate after Republican and Democratic lawmakers tapped their next leaders.

The Republican Caucus announced Sen. Lonnie Paxton, of Tuttle, is in line to become president pro tempore. Democrats chose Sen. Julia Kirt, of Oklahoma City, as minority leader.

The decisions come after a long election season when both parties’ previous leaders, Republican Sen. Greg Treat and Democratic Sen. Kay Floyd, both from Oklahoma City, were not on the ballot due to term limits. In addition, several experienced Republicans lost their seats to newcomer candidates, some who are more far-right.

The GOP controls 40 of the 48 seats in the Senate. The final vote to install Paxton as pro tem will take place Jan. 7, a few weeks before the legislative session begins Feb. 3.

In a statement, Paxton said he was grateful to be chosen to lead the Senate and was excited to take on the new role.

“The Oklahoma Legislature has never been in a better position overall to make changes and pass legislation that benefit Oklahomans,” he said.

Paxton was first elected in 2016 to District 23, which includes parts of Grady and Canadian counties. During the most recent legislative session, he served on eight committees, education, agricultural and rural affairs and energy and telecommunications, among others.

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Kirt said she and other Democrats are ready to work in bipartisan fashion with Paxton and other Republican lawmakers.

“That’s just the way we operate, and that’s how we look for policy solutions that work, that rise above politics, so that won’t stop,” she told The Oklahoman.

Kirt was elected in 2018. She served on 12 committees, including appropriations, finance and rules, during the 2024 legislative session.

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She said she believes Paxton is honest and upfront, and added that she doesn’t anticipate that will change.

New leadership brings new changes, Kirt said, and though she’s not sure exactly what those changes will be, she said voters will play a big role.

“We really want to dig into what are the most challenging things people are facing, where the biggest pain points in their lives are and how is that we can make sure they don’t feel left behind and make sure they feel like real change can be made in our state,” she said.

Other Senate Republicans tapped for leadership roles

In a statement, Paxton said the Senate’s Republican leadership is also “united in its vision to advance Oklahoma.”

In addition to Paxton, at least two other Republican lawmakers are to take on new leadership roles. Sen. Julie Daniels, of Bartlesville, will be the second woman to serve as majority floor leader. Sen. John Haste, of Broken Arrow, will be vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

Sen. Chuck Hall, of Perry, will continue to be chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Legislature names new House, Senate leaders for 2025 session

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