Oklahoma House Of Representatives Elects First Black Speaker

The new, 72-member 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 make 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.