Brian Bingman reelected Senate President Pro Temp, Sen. Bass names Democratic committee members


OKLAHOMA CITY – Brian Bingman of Sapulpa was reelected as President Pro Temp of the State Senate on organizational day Tuesday (January 7). Bingman, the second Republican president pro temp in state history, is now the longest serving GOP pro temp.

Earlier this week, state Sen. Randy Bass, D-Lawton (Comanche County), announced committee assignments for members of his minority caucus. He also disclosed leadership posts for Democrats in the Senate.

After his reelection by the upper chamber of the Legislatsure, Bingman sent this statement to CapitolBeatOK and other news organizations: “Serving in this capacity is a tremendous privilege and I am proud the members of the Senate have once again placed their trust in me. In recent years, we have made significant progress toward making Oklahoma a better place to live and do business, but we have much left to achieve. I look forward to working with the members of this body in an effort to build a more prosperous Oklahoma.”


Sen. Bass, in a press release, designated the Democrats for committees in the Senate. He said his members would “ensure all Oklahoman’s have a voice at the state Capitol. As the minority party, we know that we aren’t always able to press our agenda or tout big legislative wins. However, we are able to provide balance where there isn’t any and contrast when it is needed.

“We work to shine light on important issues, ask the hard questions, and hold people accountable. I’m proud to work with this fine group of public servants. Their commitment to the hard working Oklahomans they represent is both admirable and appreciated.”

The Democratic Caucus posts will be as follows: 

Leader Randy Bass (Lawton); Assistant Leaders: Charles Wyrick (Fairland) and Earl Garrison (Muskogee); Caucus Chair: Kay Floyd (Oklahoma City); Vice Caucus Chair: Charles Wyrick (Fairland); Whips: Anastasia Pittman (Oklahoma City) and Kay Floyd (Oklahoma City); Assistant Floor Leaders: Susan Paddack (Ada), John Sparks (Norman), Kay Floyd (Oklahoma City), and Charles Wyrick (Fairland).

Senator Bass will serve on these panels: Pensions, Transportation, Tourism & Wildlife, Appropriations, Energy, Insurance, Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government & Transportation, Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources.

Sen. Garrison (District 9), will serve on these committees: Education, Agriculture & Rural Development, Tourism & Wildlife, Appropriations, Rules, Veterans and Military Affairs, Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services.

Sen. Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, District 46, accepted these assignments: General Government, Health & Human Services, Judiciary, Appropriations, Rules, Appropriations Subcommittee on Select Agencies, Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety.

Sen. Sparks (District 16) to serve on Education, Judiciary, Finance, Appropriations, Rules, Energy, Insurance (Vice Chair), Appropriations Subcommittee on Education.

Sen. Paddack (District 13) is designated for Education, Pensions, Finance, Transportation, Appropriations, Public Safety, Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government & Transportation, Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety.

Sen. Pittman (District 48) will serve on General Government, Health & Human Services, Transportation, Appropriations, Business & Commerce, Veterans and Military Affairs, Appropriations Subcommittee on Select Agencies, Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services.

And, Sen. Wyrick (District 1) is a member of these committees: Agriculture & Rural Development, Finance, Tourism & Wildlife, Appropriations, Energy, Business & Commerce, Public Safety, Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources.

NOTE: Editor Patrick B. McGuigan contributed to this report.