Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, a Republican Shelbina, talks with reporters May (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).
Republican and Democratic lawmakers gathered in Jefferson City this week to choose new leaders for the upcoming legislative session in January.
In the Senate, where GOP infighting has caused unending gridlock for the last few years , Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin was chosen by her caucus to be president pro tem — the highest ranking job in the chamber.
O’Laughlin, of Shelbina, is the first woman to ever hold that position in Missouri. She previously served as Senate majority leader.
“I am deeply honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me to serve as president pro tem of the Missouri Senate,” O’Laughlin said in a statement to the media.
She hinted at the chaos the Senate has endured in her statement, saying her focus will be 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.”