Senate Republicans have chosen Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, to continue leading the upper chamber for the 61st Oklahoma Legislature.
Pro Tem Paxton ran unopposed for the leadership position, receiving unanimous support from his Republican colleagues to serve as Pro Tem-designate.
“It has been an honor and privilege to lead the Senate,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “It’s humbling to have the support of my colleagues and the opportunity to serve in this role for another two years. Together, we have passed landmark reforms that are moving Oklahoma forward, but our work is not done. The Senate stands ready to continue tackling the issues most important to our state while partnering with our counterparts in the House and the Executive branch.
“I have appreciated the strong partnership of House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Governor Kevin Stitt. I look forward to continuing that collaboration with our current and future state leaders. When we work together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish for the people of Oklahoma.”
Since his initial election as Pro Tem in 2025, Paxton has maintained a focus on conservative fiscal policy and government efficiency. His leadership has guided successful efforts in tax and tort reform, the expansion of foster care support and a commitment to public safety and in-person learning standards in schools.
Pro Tem Paxton’s legislative impact during his tenure as pro tem has earned him widespread recognition, including the Legislative Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the ‘Boomstick Award’ from the District Attorneys Association, the Business All-Star Award from the State Chamber and the Champion Award from the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
A resident of Tuttle, Paxton represents District 23, which encompasses portions of Grady and Canadian counties. He and his wife, Misti, have four grown children.
The official vote to formally elect the President Pro Tempore will occur during the Senate’s Organizational Day in January 2027.
