Missouri Senate Republicans Elect New Leaders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- St. Charles Senator Tom Dempsey will be the highest ranking member of the Missouri Senate when it reconvenes in January.

The 24 Republican members elected Dempsey Speaker Pro Tem. He ran unopposed. Dempsey was the second ranking Republican in the Senate for the last two years. He will replace Senator Robert Mayer as Pro Tem. Mayer is term limited.

Other leaders elected by the Republican caucus include Sen. Ron Richard of Joplin as Majority Floor Leader, Sen. Mike Kehoe of Jefferson City, Assistant Floor Leader, Sen. Brian Nieves of Washington, Majority Whip, Sen. Eric Schmitt of Glendale, Caucus Chair and Sen. Jay Wasson, Nixa, Caucus Secretary.