Forrest Bennett
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
August 13, 1989
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) |
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]
