In response to the announcement from Senator Bob Dutton that he has secured commitments from his colleagues to be the next Senate Republican Leader, the current Leader, Dennis Hollingsworth, provided the FlashReport with this statement:
"In order to ensure an orderly succession of leadership, it is necessary that our caucus be thinking about a new leader. I am happy that Senator Dutton appears to have the support of the caucus to be the next leader. With that in mind, we will hold an election and provide for a smooth transition later this year."