Paxton named as Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem designee

(The Center Square) - Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, was named the Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem designee after a meeting of the Republican Caucus on Monday.

The Senate held a special session to consider a new nominee after Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, lost in the primary election last month. Current Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat is term-limited and cannot seek reelection.

Paxton began his Senate tenure in 2016 and was named assistant majority floor leader in December 2022. He is unopped in the 2024 election.

“Senator Paxton has done a great job during his tenure as a Senator in serving in various roles including his efforts on redistricting and has brought thoughtful insight to the Senate Republican Caucus leadership team,” Treat said. “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."

Gov. Kevin Stitt called Paxton a "great Oklahoman."

"He believes in our Top Ten agenda—and I look forward to working with him on cutting taxes, shrinking government, making Oklahoma the best state for businesses to thrive, and preserving the Oklahoma way of life," Stitt said in a statement.

Paxton owns an insurance agency and also farms and raises cattle.

“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.”

Sen. David Bullard criticized some members of the Senate for holding a special session the same day the Republican National Convention began. He said "change is coming."

"Even now, after an assassination attempt on President Trump, they are still hell-bent on fixing their election. 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," Bullard said. "Not only is this election unnecessary but the audacity of some to circumvent the will of the people shows a strong lack of respect for their fellow senators and most importantly, the people of Oklahoma for whom we all serve."

The Senate approved a proclamation condemning political violence two days after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

“As we continue to pray for President Trump’s recovery and the victims of this senseless act of violence, the Oklahoma Senate thought it was appropriate to take this time to reflect, come together and appropriately condemn this atrocious act," Treat said. "While there is room to question why this happened, what could be done different and take necessary actions to improve security moving forward, we must also recognize and commend the swift action of those who assisted in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy."