Forrest Bennett
Forrest Bennett | |
|---|---|
| President of the Oklahoma AFL-CIO | |
| Assumed office November 7, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Jimmy Curry |
| Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 92nd district | |
| In office November 17, 2016 – December 1, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Richard Morrissette |
| Succeeded by | TBD |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Forrest Welch Bennett August 13, 1989 Bartlesville, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Oklahoma (BA, MPA) |
Forrest Welch Bennett (born August 13, 1989) is an American politician and trade unionist who has served as president of the Oklahoma AFL-CIO since 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 92nd district from 2016 to 2025.
Early life
Bennett was born on August 13, 1989, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Kevin and Cindy Bennett.[1] He graduated from Bartlesville High School in 2008 and enrolled at the University of Oklahoma (OU).[1] While at OU, Bennett was involved with student government, including the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature,[2] and ran for student body president in 2011.[3] He graduated from OU with a bachelor's degree in political science in 2012 and a Master of Public Administration in 2016.[4] Following graduation, Bennett worked for a political consulting firm[1] and the public education advocacy group Stand For Children.[1][5]
Political career
In 2016, Bennett was one of three Democratic candidates who filed in Oklahoma House District 92 to replace Richard Morrissette, who could not run for re-election due to term limits.[6] During the campaign, Bennett made headlines for having his vehicle stolen while campaigning.[7] After securing his party's nomination, Bennett defeated Republican challenger Joe Griffin to win his seat.[8]
Bennett ran unopposed for re-election in 2018.[9] He was elected president of the Oklahoma AFL-CIO on November 7, 2025, and announced he would resign his legislative seat effective December 1.[10][11]
Personal life
Bennett has two brothers, of which he is the middle child.[1] Bennett is married to Oklahoma City Public Schools board member Meg McElhaney.[12]
Election results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Forrest Bennett | 395 | 54.33 | |
| Democratic | Jess Eddy | 240 | 33.01 | |
| Democratic | Wilfredo Santos Rivera | 92 | 12.65 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Forrest Bennett | 3,263 | 60.54 | |
| Republican | Joe Griffin | 2,127 | 39.46 | |
Forrest Bennett ran unopposed for re-election in 2018[13]
Forrest Bennett ran unopposed for re-election in 2020[13]
Forrest Bennett ran unopposed for re-election in 2022[13]
Forrest Bennett ran unopposed for re-election in 2024[13]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Bartlesville man runs for legislature in OKC". Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise. January 24, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA INTERCOLLEGIATE LEGISLATURE DELEGATION". Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "UOSA candidates Forrest and Katherine discuss goals". March 7, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "Bennett to take Bartlesville heritage to Capitol". December 27, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "Bennett's past connection to controversial Common Core group draws questions". June 3, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "Two Oklahoma House candidates have arrest records". June 27, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "Candidate for Oklahoma house representative has car stolen while campaigning". May 2, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "Oklahoma 92nd District State House Results Forrest Bennett Wins". August 1, 2017. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ "Governor's Race Tops Oklahoma Candidate Filings". April 13, 2018. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ Evans, Murray (November 9, 2025). "Democratic Oklahoma lawmaker says he'll resign to lead labor organization". The Oklahoman. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
- ^ Murphy, Emma (November 11, 2025). "Oklahoma City lawmaker plans to resign to lead labor group". KOSU. Oklahoma Voice. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ^ "Oklahoma City School Board appoints newest member". November 22, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Forrest Bennett". Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 14, 2025.