© 2024 KGOU
News and Music for Oklahoma
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

One Republican Down, Two Left In Race For Speaker Of The House

Oklahoma State House of Representatives

A Republican House member from Oklahoma City says he's withdrawing from the race to become the next speaker of the House.

Rep. Jason Nelson said Wednesday he is no longer in the running to replace T.W. Shannon as the next speaker. Shannon resigned from his position on Tuesday to focus his attention on his race for the U.S. Senate.

Nelson's withdrawal leaves Republican Reps. Jeff Hickman of Dacoma and Mike Jackson of Enid in the race for one of the most powerful positions in state government.

The 72-member House Republican caucus is scheduled to meet on Monday for a closed-door meeting to elect the House's next leader.

The speaker of the House appoints members and chairs of committees and negotiates with the governor and Senate on policy and budget.

  ________________________________

KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.
More News
Support nonprofit, public service journalism you trust. Give now.