BREAKING: State Sen. Paxton defeats Bullard by 1 vote in Pro Tem-designate race

As I just broke on the Muskogee Politico Twitter feed,  establishment pick State Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) defeated conservative challenger David Bullard (R-Durant) by one vote in the Oklahoma State Senate GOP caucus vote for President Pro Tempore-designate. 

In the vote to lead the legislature's upper chamber, Paxton received 20 votes to Bullard's 19.

More to come.

UPDATE:

Early reports are that establishment pick Lonnie Paxton defeated conservative challenger David Bullard 20-19. #okleg

— MuskogeePolitico (@MuskogeePolitco) November 12, 2024

CONFIRMED: State Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) won the post-election Pro Tem Designate vote in GOP caucus vote this morning 20-19. #okleg pic.twitter.com/mF7HQSN1Lw

— MuskogeePolitico (@MuskogeePolitco) November 12, 2024

UPDATE 2 - The official press release:

Lonnie Paxton Nominated as Senate President Pro Tempore Designee

Final vote will be on Senate Floor during organizational day

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 12th) – Senator Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, has been nominated by his peers to serve as the next President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate.

The Senate Republican caucus announced his selection today, placing Pro Tem Designee Paxton in line to assume the leadership role for the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. While the final vote will be during the Senate’s Organizational Day on January 7, and include members of both Senate Republicans and Democrats, today’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,” Pro Tem Designee 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.”

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

First elected in 2016, Pro Tem Designee Paxton has been a vocal advocate for his constituents, focusing on issues such as economic development, education, public safety and as the co-chairman on the Joint Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Rural Development. He has leaned on his background in business and civic experience to shape his policy positions in the state Senate to benefit the state. 

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

Pro Tem Designee Paxton and his wife, Misti, have been married for over 30 years and have four grown children. Mrs. 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. 

To read Senator Paxton’s full bio, click here.