Pro Tem Designee Paxton Names Key Leadership Positions

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Designee Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today has named key members of his leadership team after being tapped as the Senate’s next leader.

Pro Tem Designee Paxton has appointed Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, as the Senate Majority Floor Leader, Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, as Appropriations Chairman and Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, as Vice Chairman of Appropriations.

“Each of these individuals are experienced lawmakers and will serve in critical roles as the Senate prepares for the upcoming legislative session,” Pro Tem Designee 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.”

As Floor Leader, Sen. Daniels will direct the flow of legislation on the Senate floor, ensure effective debate, and manage the legislative agenda. Her experience in policy leadership and dedication to constitutional principles make her an ideal fit for the role. She is the second woman to serve as the Senate’s Floor Leader. 

“I’m grateful to Pro Tem Designee Paxton for giving me the opportunity to serve the Senate as floor leader,” Daniels said. “Handling how bills get assigned to committees and making sure they move off the Senate floor is a complex task that requires a significant amount of work behind the scenes. I’m ready for this new challenge, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues in the upcoming session.”

Sen. Hall will continue to oversee the Senate’s budget-writing process by guiding the development of a financially prudent spending plan for the state in an open and transparent manner. Sen. Hall was named appropriations chairman toward the end of last session after previously serving as vice chairman and as the Senate lead on the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding.

“I’m honored Pro Tem Designee Paxton reappointed me to serve as Appropriations Chair,” Hall said. “Last year, the Senate crafted a state budget through the most public-facing process in modern history. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues, members of the House and executive branch officials to improve that open and transparent process to build a fiscally responsible budget that benefits all Oklahomans.”

Sen. Haste takes on the role of Vice Chairman of Appropriations. Known for his background in transportation and aerospace policy, in addition to previous service on other key Senate committees, Sen. Haste will work closely with Sen. Hall to address budget needs across state agencies.

“It’s an incredible honor to be named Vice Chair of Appropriations, and I want to thank Pro Tem Designee Paxton for his confidence in me,” Haste said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Sen. Hall and my other Senate colleagues in this new role to make responsible and strategic spending decisions for the people of Oklahoma and to ensure our state’s resources are directed where they’ll make the greatest impact.”

Full bios for Daniels, Hall and Haste can be found on the Senate’s website.