Sen. Jimmy Higdon tapped to serve as state senate president pro tempore

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017 — The Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus announced Friday that Sen. Jimmy Higdon has been chosen by his peers as the designee to replace former Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens in the Kentucky Senate. Sen. David Givens resigned from his seat in Senate leadership in June citing personal reasons.

SEN. JIMMY HIGDON

“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,” 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 elect a designee to fill the vacant position. Senator Higdon is expected to be officially elected the next time the Senate convenes.

“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.”

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. Higdon was elected Majority Caucus Whip in 2014 and reelected in 2016. He represents the 14th Senate District, which encompasses Casey, Marion, Nelson, and Spencer counties, as well as a portion of Jefferson County.

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