Hartford — Connecticut Senate Republicans have chosen their leaders for the next legislative session, when the Senate will have a historic 18-18 split.

The GOP unanimously on Thursday re-elected North Haven Sen. Len Fasano as leader of the GOP caucus and Canton Sen. Kevin Witkos as deputy leader. Both were previously considered "minority" leaders.

With the Republicans gaining three seats to create a split Senate, Fasano says state lawmakers are "entering into a whole new world in state government," with both parties becoming "equals in the state Senate."

It marks the first time since 1893 that there's been a tie.

Democratic leaders say the state constitution requires the lieutenant governor, Democrat Nancy Wyman, to break tie votes. However, there remain many questions about how the Senate and legislative committees will now operate.