Sen. Patty Murray to become Senate president pro tempore

Vice President Kamala Harris swears in Sen. Patty Murray as president pro tempore, while retiring Sen. Patrick Leahy looks on. Photo courtesy office of Sen. Murray

Sen. Patty Murray, recently re-elected for a sixth term representing Washington state in the United States Senate, was named Monday as Senate president pro tempore, the first woman ever to serve in that position.

She was nominated by majority leader Sen. Chuck Schumer and voted in by unanimous consent. She replaces recently retired Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont.

Murray was first elected to the Senate in 1993. 

The Senate president pro tempore is third in line to the presidency, following the vice president and the speaker of the house.

I'm honored to officially become the President Pro Tempore of the Senate today. 

As President Pro Tempore, I will sign the bills we send to President Biden’s desk for his signature and am designated to preside over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President. It’s a responsibility I am deeply honored to take on for the country I love and for Washington state.

This week was historic—the first female Vice President swore me in to be the first woman President pro-tem. It’s a clear sign that we’re making progress toward Congress looking more like America. My hope is that this is a message to young woman and girls everywhere that their voice matters, and they can achieve whatever they put their minds to. 

Murray began her political career as a member of the Shoreline School Board, later representing Shoreline in the Washington state legislature.

She has also now chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

--Diane Hettrick

Updated with additional quote 1-5-2023

Correction: Sen. Schumer is the majority leader