Senate Majority Caucus Elects New Leadership Team

JEFFERSON CITY — The Senate Majority Caucus elected Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin, R-­­­Shelbina, to serve as president pro tem of the Missouri Senate for the 103rd General Assembly. Senator O’Laughlin previously served as the Senate majority floor leader during the 102nd General Assembly.  This is a historic moment for the Senate as Sen. O’Laughlin will be the first woman to serve in the upper chamber’s top leadership position.  “I am deeply honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me to serve as president pro tem of the Missouri Senate. As a lifelong Missourian, business owner and advocate for our communities, I am committed to advancing policies that reflect our shared values and strengthen our state,” said Sen. O’Laughlin. “Together, we will work to support our law enforcement officers, enhance educational opportunities and promote economic growth that benefits all Missourians. My focus is on fostering a Senate that works in harmony, respecting our common goals and building on the strengths of each member while ensuring we keep our promises to the people of Missouri.”  The president pro tem is responsible for appointing committee members, assigning legislation to committees and ruling on points of order raised during debate in the Senate Chamber, among other legislative duties.  Also elected to the Senate Majority Caucus Leadership Team:  Senator Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, elected as majority floor leader. The majority floor leader is responsible for setting the schedule of bills up for consideration by the full body, the time allotted for floor debate on legislation and session meeting times and dates. Senator Curtis Trent, R-Battlefield, elected as assistant majority floor leader. This position is responsible for assuming the majority floor leader’s role in his or her absence. Senator Jill Carter, R-Granby, elected as majority caucus whip. Copied after Congress, the whip traditionally makes sure caucus members are present to cast votes. Senator Ben Brown, R-Washington, elected as majority caucus chairman. Senator Sandy Crawford, R-Buffalo, elected as majority caucus secretary. 
The 103rd General Assembly will convene on Wednesday, Jan. 8, for the start of the 2025 legislative session.