Bray elected new president pro tem of State Senate

INDIANAPOLIS -- After the dust settled Monday on a one-day special session of the Indiana General Assembly, Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) was elected as the new president pro tem of the State Senate.

Bray, who represents the southern half of Putnam County (as far north as the south side of Washington Street in Greencastle), was selected by Indiana Senate Republicans selected to succeed outgoing President Pro Tem David Long.

Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb praised the selection of Bray.

"Rod Bray is a strong selection to lead the Indiana Senate," Holcomb said. "He's smart, disciplined, well-respected and a good listener. He brings both the experience and insight necessary to become the next great leader of the Senate. I look forward to working with him in the years ahead."

The 49-year-old Bray, who has served in the Statehouse since November 2012, was chosen Senate Majority Leader during a closed-door meeting of the GOP caucus. Sen. Mark Messmer of Jasper was selected as Bray's second in command.

Bray turned attention to what was accomplished at the special session before commenting on his election.

"I am grateful for the efficient work of my colleagues yesterday in both the Senate and House," he said. "We passed the five bills on the docket, which increase funding for school safety, keep our tax codes in line with federal regulation and help schools in distress.

"In addition, I am more than honored to have been chosen by my Republican colleagues to serve as the next Pro Tem.

"I know I have big shoes to fill," Bray added, "and I look forward to working with and learning from Sen. Long in the upcoming months. To serve as Pro Tem is an enormous responsibility, which I do not take lightly, and I look forward to this opportunity to continue to make Indiana a better state."

Bray had been Senate floor leader, a position to which he was appointed in December.

Reportedly his primary rival in the president pro tem race was Sen. Travis Holdman of Markle.

Republicans, who control the chamber with a supermajority, did not disclose the winning vote totals but Bray said he won by "a comfortable margin."

Saying he expected "some tweaks" to the Senate leadership structure, Bray said he did not foresee making "wholesale changes."

Long announced in February that he was retiring from the Legislature.

Long called Bray "a man of highest integrity and character," saying he was "delighted to see the selection of Rod Bray as Pro Tem-elect."

"I believe he is more than ready to take the reins," Long added.

The special session ended before 3:45 p.m. Monday, after which the Republican Caucus met to pick Long's successor.

In addition to the southern half of Putnam County, Bray represents all of his native Morgan County and portions of Johnson and Owen counties within District 37.