Dem State Rep resigns to lead Oklahoma AFL-CIO

Oh look, another legislator resigning for another job and triggering an extra special-election during a regular election cycle. The unlucky winner of the special election will likely not be able to be sworn in before the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session in May, and the regular election candidate filing will be in April.

Rep. Forrest Bennett (D-OKC) was elected president of the Oklahoma AFL-CIO on November 7th and sworn in that same day... and despite explicitly saying in the following press release that he "cannot ethically be a member of the legislature and serve in my new role" due to working with lobbyists, his resignation doesn't go into effect until December 1st. I guess it's ethical for a few weeks?

Rep. Bennett (D-OKC) and House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson (D-OKC)

Bennett resigns from Oklahoma Legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov, 13th) – Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, submitted his resignation to the Governor on Wednesday. His resignation is effective Dec. 1, 2025.

“It has been the honor of my lifetime to represent the truly good people of House District 92,” said Bennett. “While my title is changing, my commitment to my friends, neighbors, and fellow Oklahomans will never waiver.”

Bennett reflected on his “difficult but ultimately correct” decision to resign.

“My new role as President of the Oklahoma State AFL-CIO requires me to work directly with lobbyists, which means I cannot ethically be a member of the legislature and serve in my new role.”

Bennett says he leaves this post with many feelings, but most of all, gratitude.

“I want to thank everyone who supported me as a state legislator, and my fellow members of the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus. Serving Oklahomans has always been and will remain a top priority for me.”

Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, thanks Rep. Bennett for his service and sends good wishes in his new role.

“Rep. Forrest Bennett has dutifully served Oklahomans in the House Democratic Caucus for the better part of a decade and I know he will continue to advocate for everyday, working Oklahomans in his new role,” said Leader Munson. “I am deeply grateful for his friendship and leadership and I am proud of him. The Oklahoma Legislature will not be the same without his wonderful combination of loyal service and unwavering humanity. Thank you, Rep. Bennett.”