The Pennsylvania Senate convened today for the start of the 2025-26 legislative session, highlighted by the swearing-in of new and reelected members.

The proceedings also included the formal reelection of Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) as senate president pro tempore, as well as a vote on rules to govern the body for the next two years.

“Today is an exciting day as new and re-elected members of our Senate Majority Caucus are sworn-in to office to represent constituents across our commonwealth,” Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Armstrong/Indiana/ Jefferson/Westmoreland) said. “With the addition of Senator Langerholc as the newest member of our leadership team, our caucus is fully organized and ready to get to work. Throughout this new legislative session, we will continue to advance policies and legislation to strengthen our communities, provide for family sustaining jobs and ensure Pennsylvania will remain a strong commonwealth for future generations.”

“I appreciate the confidence placed in me by my peers to assume this leadership position and will use it to help further guide the caucus during this legislative session,” Senate Majority Whip Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (Cambria/Centre/Clearfield) said. “This legislative session presents tremendous opportunity to grow our economy, become an energy leader and invest in our transportation system in a fiscally responsible manner.”

“I am proud of all we have accomplished, but we still face significant challenges in the years ahead,” Senate Appropriations Chair Scott Martin (R-Lancaster/Berks) said. “We need a sustainable and responsible state budget. We must advance policies that help reverse Pennsylvania’s economic and demographic decline while helping more young people plant their roots here and build futures here. We need to promote educational opportunities and ensure young people can learn in the environment that best suits their needs. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make all these goals a reality.”

The Senate Republican leadership team for 2025-26 is:

• President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland)
• Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Armstrong/Indiana/ Jefferson/Westmoreland)
• Majority Whip Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-Cambria/ Centre/Clearfield)
• Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-Lancaster/Berks)
• Majority Caucus Chair Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York)
• Majority Caucus Secretary Camera Bartolotta (R-Beaver/Greene/Washington)
• Majority Caucus Administrator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne/ Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming)
• Majority Policy Committee Chair Dave Argall (R-Carbon/Luzerne/Schylkill)

Still to come are announcements of committee chairs and member committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session.