By Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice
OKLAHOMA CITY — Leaders of the Oklahoma House and Senate were officially elected Tuesday during the Legislature’s organizational day.
As expected, Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, was elected as Speaker of the House and Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle was elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
Hilbert was elected with 78 votes and Paxton received 39 votes, both along party lines.
Hilbert thanked lawmakers for his election and spoke of his priorities, including reducing the usage of cellphones in Oklahoma schools.
“I am excited and deeply humbled to serve the state of Oklahoma in this capacity,” Hilbert said in a statement. “This is not a responsibility I take lightly. Our state faces enormous challenges. Many of these won’t be solved overnight or even during our time in the Legislature. But our calling is greater: to tackle generational challenges, even if we don’t see the solutions come to fruition during our tenure.”
Paxton stressed a need for unity and cooperation this session.
“Something the state of Oklahoma desperately needs is good leadership, and I’ve always said this chamber is the one that is able to do that,” Paxton said.
He said he wants to pass legislation that will give children more opportunities and entice them to stay in the state.
The House also elected Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, as Speaker Pro Tem.
The upcoming legislative session begins Feb. 3 and must end no later than May 30.
