Republicans in the Kentucky Senate on Tuesday chose Robert Stivers of Manchester as the chamber's new president.
Stivers, the GOP floor leader, went up against Senator Bob Leeper, an Independent from Paducah.
The post became vacant when David Williams left office to accept a judicial appointment in his home district in southern Kentucky.
Senator Damon Thayer of Georgetown, will be the Senate's new majority floor leader. He was chosen over Senator David Green of Greensburg.
Senate President Pro Tem Katie Stine, of Southgate, faced no opposition.
Brandon Smith of Hazard will be the majority whip. He was chosen over Jimmy Higdon of Lebanon.
Dan Seum of Louisville will remain Senate GOP caucus chairman. He was challenged by Joe Bowen of Owensboro.
Those chosen Tuesday by the Senate GOP caucus must still be elected by the full 38-member chamber in January before they can officially take office.
