New leaders named in Missouri Senate, House

The Missouri legislature has appointed new leaders in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

State Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, received unanimous approval to serve as president pro tem of the Senate. Rep. Jon Patterson, R-Lee's Summit, won the House speaker role with a 152-10 vote.

Both appointments are historic. O’Laughlin is the first woman to be president pro tem of the state Senate, and Patterson is the first Asian-American speaker of the House.

Read more from the Missouri Independent.