Garten Named Indiana Senate President Pro Tem

In the Indiana Statehouse, the Senate Majority Caucus voted on Wednesday to elect State Sen. Chris Garten as the next President Pro Tempore. The gathering in Indianapolis determined the leadership structure for the approaching 125th General Assembly. Garten will assume the role previously held by outgoing President Pro Tem Rodric Bray.

Garten expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him by his peers. “Our state and nation stand at a defining moment that requires bold leadership, and I am incredibly humbled that my caucus members have named me as their choice for the next Indiana Senate President Pro Tem,” he stated. The selection marks a transition of power within the chamber's upper leadership.

Alongside the top role, the caucus finalized other key positions. Garten appointed State Sen. Eric Koch to serve as Majority Floor Leader. The group also elected State Sen. Dr. Tyler Johnson as the Majority Caucus Chairman. These appointments establish the internal hierarchy for the new legislative term.

Garten outlined the legislative priorities for the incoming session. He stated that the Republican caucus intends to focus on strengthening schools, lowering health care costs, and finding ways to continue cutting taxes during the upcoming budget process. These goals will guide the committee work and floor debates in the coming months.

Procedural steps remain before Garten officially takes the gavel. Under Senate rules, the Democratic caucus is scheduled to vote on the Republican choice during Organization Day. This procedural vote will occur in less than two weeks.

Lawmakers are set to officially convene at the Statehouse on Nov. 17. That date marks the ceremonial start of the 2027 legislative session. The assembly will then begin its regular business for the new term.