Melissa Jacques
Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Lonnie Paxton on Monday was chosen as the new president pro tem-designate by the Senate Republican Caucus.
Paxton, R-Tuttle, will still face elections during a November caucus retreat and in January on the Senate floor.
Paxton ran against Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, who ran against Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, in a previous caucus election for president pro tem.
The caucus had to call another vote after McCortney lost his June primary election.
Bullard released a statement on Monday morning criticizing current President Pro Tem Greg Treat because the vote was scheduled on the same day as the beginning of the Republican National Convention.
“In an attempt to maintain their power, an unnecessary election for the Senate Pro Tempore designee has been scheduled to occur at our state Capitol during the Republican National Convention,” Bullard said in the press release. “Even now, after an assassination attempt on President Trump, they are still hell-bent on fixing their election.
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“Make no mistake, this is not a simple oversight, this date was chosen specifically to ensure not all state senators would be able to vote due to their attendance at the national convention.”
All caucus members were able to vote, however, because proxy voting was allowed for members who were not able to be present.
After the closed-doors vote, Paxton said he believed he won due to his focus on building relationships with people in his caucus and his consistency and experience as a legislator.
“First and foremost, I appreciate my Senate Republican colleagues for their confidence in me to assume this role,” Paxton said in a press release. “I also thank current Pro Tem Treat for his willingness to guide me and show me how to be effective in this role as he has been.”
After the vote, Paxton says he intends to continue the budget transparency process started by Treat, though he wants to continually work and update the process.
“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,” Paxton said. “I truly believe Oklahoma’s best days are in front of us and we can only reach our full potential by working together.”
Paxton received support from Treat; his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Speaker-Designate Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow; and Gov. Kevin Stitt.
“I have no doubt he will uphold the office of the pro tem, set high standards and continue our efforts to make Oklahoma the best place to live, work and raise a family,” Treat said in a press release.
Stitt congratulated Paxton and said he looks forward to working with him to lower taxes and shrink the government.
“He is a proven conservative and will be a terrific leader for the Senate,” Stitt said in a written statement. “I wish him the best as he takes on this new role, and look forward to the Senate’s new chapter under his leadership.”
