Oklahoma State Representative Forrest Bennett, a Democrat from Oklahoma City, has officially announced his resignation set to take effect December 1, clearing the way for a transition in House District 92, the resignation was announced on Wednesday and comes as Bennett prepares to take on a new role as President of the Oklahoma State AFL-CIO, an organization representing workers' interests which inherently requires close interactions with lobbyists; a dynamic Bennett believes could conflict with his legislative duties, according to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
"It has been the honor of my lifetime to represent the truly good people of House District 92," Bennett said in the announcement, "While my title is changing, my commitment to my friends, neighbors, and fellow Oklahomans will never waiver." His departure stems from an ethical stance, recognizing the competing interests that his new position would pose to legislative integrity, as he stated, "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," according to the Oklahoma House of Representatives website.
Bennett's resignation has been met with supportive remarks from his colleagues, including from Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, who expressed her appreciation for his tenure, "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," and further praised him adding, "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."
The departure of Bennett marks a significant change for the Oklahoma Legislature which will now have to appoint a successor to fill the vacancy for the people of House District 92, a process which has not yet been detailed by state officials, and as Bennett transitions to his new role, he leaves behind a legislative legacy defined by gratitude and a pledge to uphold the interests of Oklahomans in his forthcoming endeavors—a pledge he has carefully considered in the wake of his change in professional focus, as mentioned on the same news.
