West Central PA News

State Senator Joe Pittman has been re-elected as Senate Majority Leader by his Republican colleagues for the 2025-2026 legislative session. The decision was made on Wednesday by the Senate Republican Caucus, marking Pittman's second term in this leadership role.

"I am honored to have been re-elected by my colleagues to continue to serve as Senate Majority Leader for the upcoming 2025-26 legislative session," Pittman said. "The constituents of the 41st Senatorial District who have elected me to represent them as their senator will always be my top priority and focus, and I will use my voice to represent them and their interests."

As the second-highest-ranking Republican in the Senate, Pittman's responsibilities include setting the legislative agenda, developing policies and strategies for the caucus, and chairing the Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. He will also play a significant role in negotiations with Governor Josh Shapiro's administration and the House of Representatives, overseeing actions on the Senate floor.

"Throughout the last two years, our Senate Republican Majority has worked to empower Pennsylvanians and place our Commonwealth on a strong financial path," Pittman stated. "We stood together to stop massive spending increases proposed by Democrats and to uphold our Constitution. As we look to the new session, our efforts as a 28-member majority will continue to focus on advancing a pro-growth, pro-law enforcement agenda, and to grow our economy and population in a smart and sustainable way for the future."

The 2025-26 Senate Republican Leadership team includes Sen. Kim Ward as Interim Senate President Pro Tempore; Sen. Scott Martin as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Sen. Ryan Aument as Senate Majority Whip; Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill as Senate Majority Caucus Chair; and Sen. Camera Bartolotta as Senate Majority Caucus Secretary.

Republicans are set to hold a 28-22 majority in the state Senate with this new legislative session's commencement.

Joe Pittman is serving his second full term in Pennsylvania's state senate after being re-elected by voters from Indiana County, representing Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson, and Westmoreland counties within his district.