Question: who serves as the president of texas's senate
Answer: Texas State Senate Texas State Legislature Type Type Upper house of the Texas Legislature Term limits None History New session started January 10 , 2017 Leadership President of the Senate Dan Patrick ( R ) Since January 20 , 2015 President Pro Tempore Kel Seliger ( R ) Since January 13 , 2017 Structure Seats 31 Political groups Majority Republican ( 20 ) Minority Democratic ( 10 ) Vacant ( 1 ) Vacant ( 1 ) Length of term 4 years Authority Article 3 , Texas Constitution Salary $7,200 / year + per diem Elections Voting system First - past - the - post Last election November 8 , 2016 ( 16 seats ) Next election November 6 , 2018 ( 15 seats ) Redistricting Legislative Control Meeting place State Senate Chamb