House GOP confirms Shannon as Speaker-elect
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - 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.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press
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