Westmoreland Review

Senate Republicans in Harrisburg have re-elected their leadership team for the 2025-26 legislative session. Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) will continue as interim Senate President Pro Tempore from December 1 until January 6, when a vote will be held for the position for the new session.

The role of President Pro Tempore involves appointing chairpersons and members of the Senate's 22 standing committees and presiding over the Senate floor in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor. It also includes referring bills and resolutions to appropriate committees.

Ward expressed gratitude to her colleagues, stating, "First and foremost, I wish to express appreciation to my Senate colleagues for re-electing me as interim President Pro Tempore. But more importantly, together, we need to hit the ground running to tackle the real challenges facing Pennsylvania."

Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) was re-elected as Senate Majority Leader. His responsibilities include overseeing the legislative agenda and playing a significant role in negotiations with both the administration and House of Representatives.

Pittman remarked on his re-election: “I am honored to have been re-elected by my colleagues to continue to serve as Senate Majority Leader for the upcoming 2025-26 legislative session.”

Sen. Ryan Aument (R-36) retained his position as Majority Whip, tasked with gaining support for legislation and maintaining Republican policies through cooperation within the caucus.

Aument commented on recent election outcomes: “Pennsylvanians sent a strong message from the ballot box on Nov. 5 by voting to maintain the Republican majority in the Pennsylvania Senate.”

Sen. Scott Martin (R-13) was re-elected Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which plays a vital role in budget negotiations and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Martin stated: “For years, Senate Republicans have fought to protect taxpayers by passing fiscally responsible budgets.”

Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28) continues as Majority Caucus Chair, focusing on strategy development during caucus meetings.

Phillips-Hill said: “I am honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me to continue serving in this role.”

Finally, Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) remains as Senate Majority Caucus Secretary, responsible for managing executive nominations submitted for confirmation.

Bartolotta shared her thoughts: “It has been my honor to have been selected by my colleagues as a member of the Senate Majority Caucus Leadership team for past four years.”