Paxton nominated to be next Oklahoma President Pro Tempore

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, has been nominated to serve as the next President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate.

The Senate Republican caucus announced his selection Tuesday, placing Paxton in line to assume the leadership role for the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. While the final vote of all Senate members will be during the Senate’s Organizational Day on Jan. 7, Tuesday’s vote gives a nod to Pro Tem Designee Paxton as his Senate Republican colleagues control the state’s upper legislative chamber.

“I am grateful to my fellow members who chose me to lead the Senate moving forward,” Paxton said. “The Oklahoma Legislature has never been in a better position overall to make changes and pass legislation that benefit Oklahomans. I am excited for this new chapter, and I will work every day to ensure we continue to build on our success. I have learned many lessons during my time in the Senate.

“Whether a member of the Senate Republican Caucus voted for me or voted for Senator Bullard, I look forward to working directly with new and returning members, House Speaker-Designee Kyle Hilbert, Governor Kevin Stitt and our federal Congressional delegation to ensure Oklahoma is a destination for people who want to live, work and raise a family.”

Paxton will replace current Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, who is term limited.

First elected in 2016, Paxton has been a vocal advocate for his constituents, focusing on issues such as economic development, education and public safety, and, as co-chairman on the Joint Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Rural Development.

Paxton is a fifth-generation Oklahoman, born in Chickasha and raised on his family’s farm in Tuttle. Paxton’s roots run deep in his district as a businessman, entrepreneur, volunteer firefighter, farmer and rancher.

Paxton and his wife, Misti, have been married for more than 30 years and have four grown children. Misti Paxton taught in the Tuttle Public School district for almost three decades before retiring. They are members of Tuttle United Methodist Church.

He represents Senate District 23, which includes portions of Grady and Canadian counties.