Representative Forrest Bennett

Hi, I’m Forrest Bennett and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 92nd District.


representative

Leadership

Minority Whip

60th Legislature

Assistant Minority Leader

58th Legislature

Assistant Minority Floor Leader

59th Legislature

News & Announcements


May 7, 2025

House Democrats oppose bill that silences Oklahoma voices in initiative petition process

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus debated against SB 1027, a bill that would limit the number of signatures by Oklahomans in urban areas of the state for initiative petitions. SB 1027 limits the number of valid signatures from any one county. Voters in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties—where nearly 40% of Oklahomans live—could contribute no more than 10% of total signatures each. “Oklahomans are overwhelmingly opposed to this bill because they know it works to silence their efforts to engage in direct democracy," said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “I am so tired of the pitting of urban and rural Oklahomans against each other by our state's leaders. Regardless of where Oklahomans live, they care about quality public schools, access to affordable and quality healthcare, and making a living wage that allows them to care for themselves and their families. By limiting Oklahomans' ability to put forth their priorities when their legislators don't act, we are limiting their freedom to pursue the Oklahoma they want to live in. SB1027 was not requested by Oklahomans, but rather by interest groups, yet the negative impact of this legislation will last generations. My Democratic colleagues in the House urge the Governor to veto SB1027." Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, debated against SB 1027 and proposed an amendment to extend the signature-gathering window from 90 days to 180. That amendment was tabled. “The tabling of my amendment to extend the signature-gathering window from 90 days to 180 days proves that this bill has nothing to do with obtaining more rural input and everything to do with silencing citizens’ voices and severely hindering their constitutional right to petition their government.” Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, debated against the measure and proposed an amendment that would let Oklahomans decide if they wanted this change to their initiative petition process. That amendment was also tabled. “It is very hard to get a measure on the ballot via initiative petition, and this body just voted to make it even harder,” Fugate said. “If we are going to take away the power of the people, we should at least give them the opportunity to decide for themselves if that’s what they want. Sadly, they voted down my amendment to do just that.” Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman, also debated against the measure and now urges Oklahomans to call for a veto. “Since statehood, when the government has failed, the people have risen to action. Today, the Oklahoma House of Representatives gave preference to the failure of government over the will of the people. The House decided that it knows better than the very voters who elected us. This is the broadest harm to self-government I’ve seen and a decision I believe we will regret for generations to come. The opportunity to put this removal of rights to a vote of the people was offered and rejected. I ask all Oklahomans to call for the Governor to veto this attack on our right to petition our government.” Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, debated against the bill. “Proponents of this legislation claim it will give a greater voice to rural Oklahomans, but the fact is, it stifles the voices of all Oklahomans at a time when the people’s ability to engage in the political process is as important as ever,” Bennett said.  Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, also debated against the bill. “Oklahoma was founded on populist principles of putting people over politics,” Schreiber said. “We lose that right with SB 1027. No matter how you slice it, the bill strips Oklahomans’ rights and shifts power away from the people and into the hands of politicians. I’m not for that–I’m for people over politics.” Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, also debated against the bill, stating it is an assault on direct democracy. “SB1027 is not about expanding the voice of the people—it’s about silencing them,” McCane said. “Time and time again, Oklahomans have told us they feel ignored, that their voices aren't reaching this chamber, and that their representatives aren't advocating for them. Instead of listening, this bill places even more barriers between the people and their power. It’s unnecessary, restrictive, and a direct assault on our constitutional right to direct democracy. This should be a resounding alarm to the people of Oklahoma: our government is no longer operating as the people’s government.” -END-



May 6, 2025

Bennett advocates for safer community after Midtown shooting

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after many people were shot and injured during a shooting in Oklahoma City’s Midtown District: “Last night, in Midtown Oklahoma City, gun violence shattered the windows of a local business, injured several residents, and disrupted the expectation of safety and community in the heart of our town,” Bennett said. “A day later, we still have unanswered questions. Authorities are still searching for the two shooting suspects, and we do not know what their motivations were for the shooting. But we do know that, thankfully, everyone who was injured is expected to survive and recover. For that, I am grateful. “As the state representative for Midtown and someone who called the beloved neighborhood home for several years, I’m also grateful for the quick response by law enforcement and the awareness that local media brought to the scene and to the ongoing investigation.  “Elected officials at the local and state level could do more to cultivate a culture of responsible gun use. We could do more to lead by example in settling disagreements in diplomatic ways. What took place last night in Midtown is a reminder to all of us to do our part to create a safer and healthier community — and I will redouble my efforts to do so. I hope those who read this do, too.” -END-



Mar 6, 2025

House Democratic members comment on bill redundancy, need to rein in State Superintendent

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic members Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, and Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statements addressing HB 1621’s passage out of the Government Oversight Committee today. “This bill creates a new law and grows government in an unnecessary way,” Leader Munson said. “It does nothing to hold the State Superintendent accountable and instead takes the advice of an out-of-state advocacy group instead of considering the real needs of Oklahomans. This bill is more about creating political leverage than improving public education in Oklahoma. The State Superintendent does not follow the current transparency process and if we actually listened to Oklahomans, especially those in public education, we would be working to hold him accountable to the current processes we have.” Fugate reiterated that the Oklahoma State Department of Education already has a transparency process. “This bill is not necessary. Oklahoma has had a comprehensive transparency portal for all state government activities, including OSDE, since the Governor launched it in 2019. The portal is here:  https://oklahomastate.opengov.com/ .” Fugate said.  “I understand members are justifiably outraged by the State Superintendent’s lack of interest in following procedures. Giving him another thing to ignore won’t fix that problem. It is naive to assume OSDE would abide by this bill. What we really need is to rein in the State Superintendent.” Bennett says the best way to get the accountability this bill is seeking is to correct the mismanagement of the State Superintendent. “We are not lacking in tools of transparency,” Bennett said. “The real issue is mismanagement by the State Superintendent. My no vote wasn’t in opposition to transparency, it’s about the fact that my colleagues are ignoring the real issue: Oklahomans want to see this Superintendent held accountable.” -END-