Oklahoma House GOP confirms T.W. Shannon as Speaker-elect

BY Associated Press
Thursday, November 08, 2012
11/08/12 at 3:22 PM


OKLAHOMA CITY — The new, 72-member-strong Oklahoma House Republican Caucus has confirmed Lawton Republican T.W. Shannon will become the first African-American speaker of the House in Oklahoma.

Shannon was unopposed and formally assumed the title of House speaker-elect on Thursday following the first meeting of the new GOP caucus. He will replace outgoing House Speaker Kris Steele of Shawnee who was term-limited.

Shannon was elected House speaker-designate last year in a close race against Rep. Jeff Hickman of Dacoma.

This year's Republican caucus includes 13 new members who were elected this cycle. The 72 members in the 101-member House of Representatives makes it the largest GOP majority in state history.

Also on Thursday, the caucus selected Enid Republican Rep. Mike Jackson as Speaker Pro Tempore-elect and several other leadership positions.

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Shannon was elected House speaker-designate last year in a close race against Rep. Jeff Hickman of Dacoma.



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