JEFFERSON CITY (AP) – Lawmakers in the Missouri House have unanimously chosen Rep. John Diehl as the next House speaker, while senators unanimously re-elected Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey.

Wednesday’s decisions came after the 2015 annual legislative session started around noon.

Diehl, a Republican from Town and Country, will lead the largest number of Republicans ever in Missouri’s House. Republicans outnumber Democrats 117-45, with one vacancy.

House members also unanimously elected Republican Rep. Denny Hoskins, of Warrensburg, as speaker pro tem.

Dempsey, a Republican from St. Charles, will continue to lead the Senate, where the GOP has a 25-9 majority over Democrats.

The Republican majorities in both chambers exceed the two-thirds threshold needed to override gubernatorial vetoes.