The Arkansas House and Arkansas Senate each convened at noon today, marking the start of the 94th General Assembly and the 2023 Regular Session.

The Senate welcomed 13 new members, its largest first-term class since 2003. Members took their oaths of office and confirmed Senator Bart Hester (R-Cave Springs) as Senate President Pro Tempore.

Senator Blake Johnson (R-Corning) and Senator Greg Leding (D-Fayetteville) were announced as majority leader and minority leader, respectively, with Senator Ricky Hill (R-Cabot) and Senator Linda Chesterfield (D-Little Rock) announced as majority whip and minority whip, respectively.

Tomorrow all seven constitutional officers, including Governor-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders, will take their oaths of office. The new governor will then address a joint session of the House and Senate.