Anthony Moore elected speaker pro tempore after contested nominations

Representative Anthony Moore was elected speaker pro tempore of the Oklahoma House of Representatives by roll-call vote, receiving 78 votes to Forrest Bennett’s 19. Chief Justice Dustin Roe administered Moore’s oath of office on the well of the House.

Moore was nominated from the floor and received a seconding speech that emphasized his experience, faith and capacity to build relationships across the chamber. Forrest Bennett was nominated by Representative Alonzo Sandoval and was seconded in a separate nomination speech that praised Bennett’s work in the Democratic caucus and his outreach to younger and more diverse Oklahomans.

After the roll call verified Moore's election, Speaker Hilbert appointed members to escort Moore to the well for the oath. In his remarks to the chamber, Moore thanked colleagues and family and said he would “do nothing short of everything in my ability to help improve the entire state for all 101 House districts.” He also pledged to be available to members and endorsed collaboration across party lines.

The formal actions recorded during the organizational day included the nomination, roll-call vote and swearing-in. The House clerk will publish the appointment and oath in the House Journal.