Dallas -- State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) will be chosen by his fellow state senators to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate. As President Pro Tempore, Senator West is second in the line of succession to be Governor of Texas. In instances when Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst are out of the state, Sen. West assumes the state's top governmental office. The ceremony installing Sen. West as president pro tem will take place Monday, April 17, 2006, the first day of the Special Session called by Gov. Perry on public school finance.

"I am both ecstatic and honored to be selected president pro tem by my senate colleagues," said Senator West. "This recognition marks a new phase of leadership in my political career. As always, I hope to leverage the tools given me to better benefit the citizens of Texas."

Senator West was notified of his selection in late March. The selection is based on seniority, a nomination and vote by senate members. Senator West has served in the Texas Senate for nearly 13 years since first being elected to represent the citizens of Dallas County in 1993. He has been re-elected four times. Later this year, Senator West will be honored during a "Governor for a Day Ceremony" at the Texas Capitol.

"The legendary Barbara Jordan - a heroic figure among minority politicians in this country - was the first African American and second ever female to serve as President of the Texas Senate. This honor links me with some of the historic names to have served in leadership of this state. As such, I feel blessed," Senator West said.

Senator West is the fourth African American to be chosen President Pro Tempore and the 11th minority selected in the Senate's 160-year history. Senator West currently chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education and is vice-chair of the Senate Education Committee. He is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Education Reform and Public School Finance, the Senate Jurisprudence Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

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