(File Photo of Kim Ward’s official photo)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania Republican state Sen. Kim Ward will become the first woman to serve as the chamber’s highest-ranking member. Republicans said Tuesday that they selected Ward to become president pro tempore when the new two-year legislative session starts in January. The 66-year-old Ward, of Westmoreland County, became the first female majority leader in the chamber last year. Republicans will have a 28-22 majority in the chamber. She’ll succeed Sen. Jake Corman of Centre County. He’s finishing a 24-year Senate career after a failed run for governor. Freshman Sen. Joe Pittman of Indiana County was picked by Republicans to succeed Ward as the GOP’s majority leader.