(State Senate Leadership in the photo above from left to right: President Pro Tempore Bogner, President Ellsworth, Majority Leader Fitzpatrick) 

In the national news, you may have noticed that Congressional Republicans began selecting their leaders to serve in the upcoming session of Congress. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was initially selected to lead House Republicans. Meanwhile, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will continue to lead Senate Republicans.

A similar process just took place in the Montana Legislature where Republicans will now have a "supermajority" in the upcoming legislative session. Earlier Wednesday, the Republican majorities selected their leaders for both respective chambers.

According to a press release from Kyle Schmauch, a spokesman for the State Senate Majority, lawmakers will continue to meet in the state capitol in the days ahead to select committee assignments, conduct new member orientation, and prepare for the upcoming session.

In the state senate, Jason Ellsworth (R-Hamilton) will serve as the President of the Senate, Chris Bogner (R-Miles City) will serve as President Pro Tempore, and Steve Fitzpatrick (R-Great Falls) will serve as Senate Majority Leader.

Bogner is a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ellsworth was the Senate President Pro Tempore during the 2021 legislative session.

Senate President Ellsworth: It’s an honor to serve as the next President of the Senate. I look forward to working with senators on passing a conservative balanced budget, providing financial relief and lower taxes to Montanans, enacting red tape relief, and preserving the Montana way of life for future generations. I’m excited to get to work.

On the house side, Matt Regier (R-Kalispell) will serve as Speaker of the House, Rhonda Knudsen (R-Culbertson) will serve as Speaker Pro Tempore, and Sue Vinton (R-Billings) will continue to serve as House Majority Leader.

Here's who legislative Democrats selected for their legislative leadership posts.

The 68th Montana Legislature will be sworn in on January 2, 2023.

LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born?

Data for this list was acquired from trusted online sources and news outlets. Read on to discover what major law was passed the year you were born and learn its name, the vote count (where relevant), and its impact and significance.

 

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