GOP senators back Chris Garten to lead Indiana Senate; will steer committee picks and 2027 budget planning
Senate Republican caucus unanimously endorsed Sen. Chris Garten to replace Rodric Bray as president pro tem, naming him to lead the caucus’ campaign operation and planning for the 2027 legislative session. The full Senate must vote on the leadership change after the November election on Organization Day.
Senate Republicans privately endorsed Sen. Chris Garten to succeed Rodric Bray as president pro tem, the caucus said. Garten was the only senator to publicly seek the top post after Bray announced on July 31 he would step down. The caucus spokeswoman said Garten was unopposed for the endorsement and received unanimous support.
The Republican caucus said Garten will assume leadership of its campaign operations and preparations for the 2027 legislative session pending a formal vote by the full Senate after the November election. The article notes the president pro tem can select committee chairs, route bills to committees and broadly set the Senate agenda; Bray will continue daily operations until Organization Day. Republicans hold a 40-10 majority, and 22 GOP seats are on this year’s ballot.
BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.
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