FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 4, 2026) — The Indiana Senate Majority Caucus met today in Indianapolis to elect its leadership team for the 125th General Assembly.
Caucus members voted unanimously to elect State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) as their choice for Senate President Pro Tempore. In accordance with Senate rules, the Democrat caucus will also weigh in on Garten's selection during the legislature’s official Organization Day on Nov. 17.
Garten has named State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) as Majority Floor Leader, and State Sen. Dr. Tyler Johnson (R-Leo) was elected by the caucus to serve as Majority Caucus Chairman.
"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," Garten said. "Senate Republicans do not take the opportunity to serve lightly. We know we must earn our constituents' trust each and every day."
Garten added that he is proud to lead a caucus full of talented, independent thinkers who work every day to focus on results over rhetoric.
"We will tackle hard issues head-on, working to strengthen our schools, defend our freedom, scrutinize the allocation of every tax dollar, lower health care costs and find ways to keep cutting taxes. I'm thankful for the partnership of Sens. Koch and Johnson as we head into the next budget session where we will fight for an even brighter future for the Hoosier state."
Garten acknowledged the historic transition of leadership, thanking outgoing Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) for his leadership during his tenure.
"I want to also extend a special word of gratitude to outgoing Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray, who selflessly served the Senate for many years with integrity and wisdom," Garten added. "He showed a tremendous commitment to the Senate and state of Indiana, and I want to thank him for service, leadership and the example he has set for this body to follow."
Lawmakers will gather at the Statehouse on Nov. 17 for Organization Day, the ceremonial start of the 2027 session. Members of the public can view calendars, proposed legislation, livestreamed meetings and more online at iga.in.gov.
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Senate President Pro Tem-Elect Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) represents Senate District 45, which includes Clark County and portions of Floyd County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) represents Senate District 44, which includes Brown, Jackson, Lawrence and Orange counties, and portions of Monroe County.
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State Sen. Dr. Tyler Johnson (R-Leo) represents Senate District 14, which includes portions of Allen and DeKalb counties.
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Contact: Molly Swigart, Communications Director
molly.swigart@iga.in.gov
317-232-9521
