State House Speaker-elect T.W. Shannon of Lawton says Oklahoma must focus on reform at the state level.

"If there's going to be reform in this country, it's going to happen at the state level. And that's why what's happening in this room, in this building, is probably more important than it's ever been," Shannon told reporters.

On Thursday, the House Republican caucus elected Shannon to be the next Speaker. He'll formally assume that role, in January.