How were governors selected for senatorial provinces under Augustus?

Under the administrative reforms initiated by Augustus beginning in 27 BCE, the provinces of the Roman Empire were divided into two categories. Senatorial provinces were governed by former consuls and former praetors, both of whom held the title of proconsul.12

These governors were appointed by the Senate in the traditional republican fashion. While the Senate formally held the authority to assign these roles, Augustus maintained significant influence over the process. Due to his supreme prestige (auctoritas), he was able to indirectly influence these appointments to ensure they aligned with his interests.3

In these senatorial provinces, the proconsuls served an annual term. Although the Senate retained the responsibility for administering these regions, they were generally those that did not require a significant military presence or present complex administrative challenges.14