Benge Wins Reelection As Speaker; Kris Steele Elected Speaker Pro Tempore

State House Republicans have reelected Chris Benge as speaker.

Rep. Mike Reynolds of Oklahoma City, who had announced he would challenge Benge, dropped out.

Republican members also selected Rep. Kris Steele to serve as the Speaker Pro Tempore, ousting incumbent Gus Blackwell, and re-elected Rep. John Wright to serve as caucus chairman.

The remainder of the Speaker’s leadership team and committee chairmen will be announced later this year.

“I am deeply honored to be selected by my Republican peers to serve as their Speaker Pro Tempore and will work tirelessly to oversee the floor proceedings in a manner that is fair and respectful,” said Steele, R-Shawnee.

Wright said he is grateful to continue as caucus chairman to help make for a smooth transition with the newly-enlarged group of Republican members.

“We celebrate our increased numbers while looking forward to the next legislative session as a united caucus,” said Wright, R-Tulsa.

The Speaker and Speaker Pro Tempore will be formally elected by the full House on January 6 when the Legislature holds its constitutional organizational day.

The caucus also took the opportunity to introduce its 12 new members.

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