State Capitol Week in Review
November 13, 2026
Arkansas Senate Selects Leadership, Organizes for 96th General Assembly
As Arkansas prepares for the 96th General Assembly, state senators gathered November 5 and 6 for orientation and organizational meetings that laid the groundwork for the legislative session beginning January 11, 2027.
Organizational meetings serve as the official kickoff for a new legislative term. Although largely administrative, they help determine how the chamber will function in the months ahead. Lawmakers elect chamber leaders, establish procedural rules, assign committee memberships, and complete logistical preparations before formal lawmaking begins.
The Arkansas Senate worked late into the evening to complete its organizational agenda, including one of its most important tasks: selecting a President Pro Tempore.
After three rounds of voting, senators elected Joshua Bryant. The position carries significant authority within the chamber. The President Pro Tempore presides over Senate proceedings when the Lieutenant Governor is absent, maintains order during debate, determines voice votes, and announces final vote results on legislation.
The office also places Bryant second in Arkansas’ gubernatorial line of succession, behind the Lieutenant Governor. In addition, the President Pro Tempore may convene the Senate between sessions, serve as a key representative in negotiations with the House and executive branch, and appoint members to legislative task forces and commissions.
Senators also selected the chamber’s leadership team for the upcoming General Assembly.
Tyler Dees was chosen as Majority Leader, while Clint Penzo was selected as Majority Whip. On the Democratic side, Stephanie Flowers was named Minority Leader and Clarke Tucker was selected as Minority Whip.
As Majority Leader, Dees will serve as the chief advocate for the majority party’s agenda on the Senate floor. The position includes helping develop policy strategy, coordinating debate, and working with Senate leadership and committee chairs to schedule legislation and manage the chamber’s calendar. Like all senators, he will continue representing and voting on behalf of his district.
Flowers, as Minority Leader, will perform similar duties for the minority party, serving as its principal spokesperson while helping shape legislative strategy and coordinate debate.
The Senate’s whips also play critical roles in day-to-day legislative operations. Penzo and Tucker will be responsible for gauging support for legislation within their respective caucuses, a practice commonly known as “whipping votes.” They survey members before significant votes to determine support levels and communicate leadership priorities.
Whips also work to ensure party members are present during important floor proceedings and quorum calls. In addition, they serve as a bridge between leadership and rank-and-file lawmakers by relaying concerns, gathering feedback, and helping maintain communication within the caucus. They may also assist or stand in for party leaders when necessary.
Beyond leadership elections, organizational meetings allow lawmakers to finalize committee assignments and complete orientation activities that help prepare both new and returning senators for the session ahead.
With leadership positions filled and preliminary business completed, the Senate has taken the first formal steps toward the 2027 legislative session, setting the stage for the policy debates and legislative priorities that will shape Arkansas in the years ahead.