SENATOR JIMMY HIGDON ELECTED AS NEW KENTUCKY SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Senate Majority Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2017
Contact: John Cox
John.Cox@LRC.KY.GOV

SENATOR JIMMY HIGDON ELECTED AS NEW KENTUCKY SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Friday, September 8, 2017) – The Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus announced Friday that Senator Jimmy Higdon (R-Lebanon) has been chosen by his peers to serve as the new President Pro Tempore in the Kentucky Senate. Senator Higdon replaces Senator David Givens (R-Greensburg) who resigned from his seat in Senate leadership in June citing personal reasons.

"I was sad to see Senator Givens step down, but I am honored to serve in this new capacity in Senate leadership, and I appreciate all of my colleagues for granting me this special opportunity," Senator Higdon said Friday. "I certainly have some big shoes to fill, but Senator Givens has been supportive, and I know he will continue to be a great asset to our caucus and a great resource to me moving forward."

Prior to Friday's election, Senator Higdon held the leadership position of Senate Majority Caucus Whip. A special election will be held in the near future to fill the newly vacant leadership post.

"I am happy for my good friend, Senator Jimmy Higdon, and look forward to continuing to serve with him in Senate leadership," Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) said. "Senator Higdon is experienced, knowledgeable, and possesses the necessary character skills needed to effectively serve as President Pro Tem, and I am confident he will do an exemplary job."

Senator Higdon was elected to the Kentucky Senate in 2009 during a special election after having previously served in the Kentucky House of Representatives since 2003. Senator Higdon was elected Majority Caucus Whip in 2014 and reelected in 2016. He represents the 14^th Senate District, which encompasses Casey, Marion, Nelson, and Spencer counties, as well as a portion of Jefferson County.

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