Pro Tem Designee Paxton appoints leadership team

OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) — After officially being named Senate Pro Tem Designee on Tuesday, Senator Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) appointed several members of the State Senate to key leadership positions.

Senator Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville) will serve as the Senate Majority Floor Leader, while Senator Chuck Hall (R-Perry) and Senator John Haste (R-Broken Arrow) have been appointed as Appropriations Chairman and Vice Chairman.

"Each of these individuals are experienced lawmakers and will serve in critical roles as the Senate prepares for the upcoming legislative session," Paxton said. "Senators Daniels, Hall and Haste have shown tremendous dedication to the state and a commitment to improving Oklahoma. Their leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we work on issues that matter most to those we serve, from budget allocations to legislative priorities that are heard on the Senate floor. Our caucus is united in its vision to advance Oklahoma. This team will play a pivotal role in helping create policies that reflect our state's values and priorities."

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Daniels will become the second woman to serve as the Senate's Floor Leader as she replaces Senator Greg McCourtney (R-Ada) for the position.

Hall will continue to serve as Appropriations Chairman, a position he was originally appointed to by Pro Tem Greg Treat (R-Oklahoma City) to replace former Senator Roger Thompson (R-Okemah) in April 2024.

Haste will serve alongside Hall on the Senate Appropriations Committee as Vice Chairman.