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Indiana Senate Republicans Announce Leadership Team for 122nd General Assembly

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 10, 2020) — The Indiana Senate Majority Caucus met today in Indianapolis to elect its leadership team for the 122nd General Assembly.

Caucus members voted to re-elect State Sen. Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) as their choice for Senate President Pro Tempore. State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) will continue to serve in his role as Majority Floor Leader.

In accordance with Senate rules, the Democrat caucus will also weigh in on Bray's selection during the legislature’s official Organization Day on Nov. 17.

"I am grateful to my fellow Senators for placing their trust in me to continue serving as Senate President Pro Tem," Bray said. "This job would not be possible without the support of each of our talented caucus members, and it's an honor to serve in this role. The 2021 session is going to be full of challenges as it relates to the budget, redistricting and all of the issues that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, but I have no doubt that Senate Republicans will rise to the occasion and serve the Hoosiers of our state well."

Caucus members also elected State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) as Majority Caucus Chairman. Holdman replaces long-time caucus chair Jim Merritt of Indianapolis, who retired from the Senate earlier this month.

As caucus chair, Holdman is one of the highest-ranking members of the Senate leadership team and is responsible for running meetings of Senate Republican members as well as a variety of other administrative duties that help keep the Senate running smoothly.

"As a chair of the Senate Committee on Tax and Fiscal policy, Travis has been a trusted member of our leadership, and I couldn't be more pleased that he was elected by my fellow senators to serve as our caucus chair," Bray said. "Sen. Holdman is a thoughtful man who brings plenty of wisdom and integrity to the Statehouse, and I believe he will continue to be a great leader for our caucus."

"I'm honored and humbled to have the support of our caucus and to lead in this capacity," Holdman said. "Our state certainly faces some serious issues as we move toward the 2021 legislative session, but I look forward to collaborating with my caucus members and our colleagues across the aisle as we work on policies that will improve the lives of Hoosiers all around our state."

Holdman represents Senate District 19, which includes all or portions of Adams, Blackford, Grant, Huntington, Jay and Wells counties. He has served in the Senate since 2008 and is chair of the Senate Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy and also serves on the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Rules and Legislative Procedure.

Scott Baldwin, senator-elect from Noblesville representing Senate District 20, was also in attendance.

Lawmakers will gather at the Statehouse on Nov. 17 for Organization Day, the ceremonial start of the 2021 session. Members of the public can view calendars, proposed legislation, watch livestreamed meetings and more online at iga.in.gov.