President Trump releases video message touting Mike Mazzei for Governor

President Trump recently recorded a video touting his support of conservative candidate Mike Mazzei in the Republican gubernatorial runoff election:

Transcript: 

A very big hello to Oklahoma, a state that I won big. In fact, 77 out of 77 counties or whatever you happen to call them, but it was 77 out of 77. 

There's an important runoff election coming up in your state on Tuesday, August 25th. I'm asking all of you to get out and vote for MAGA Warrior Mike Mazzei to be the next governor of Oklahoma. And it really is, it's a place that I love. I think it's incredible. Mike has my complete and total endorsement. 

Gann criticizes House leaders for censoring and denying study requests on Inola smelter, AI surveillance, and House rules

I have noticed a recurring pattern when it comes to the Oklahoma State House leadership under Speaker Kyle Hilbert: they do not like conservative State Rep. Tom Gann and his reform-minded watchdog bent.

Gann Raises Concerns After House Leadership Blocks Hearing on  Controversial Proposed Oklahoma Smelter Project 

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 27th) — State Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, condemned Oklahoma State House  leadership Tuesday for rejecting three key interim-study requests, including a proposed hearing on the controversial Inola aluminum smelter, the ongoing rollout of automated AI surveillance technology, and a study on reforming the rules governing House activity and conduct. 

Gann also said House officials prevented the House press office from distributing his public statement criticizing the denials. Members ordinarily submit news releases through the taxpayer funded office for distribution to news organizations and publication on the House website. 

“This is censorship, plain and simple,” Gann said. “House leadership first used its power to  prevent an elected representative from studying matters of enormous public importance. It then used its control of a taxpayer-funded press office to suppress criticism of that decision. That is an abuse of institutional power, and it shows a disregard for the people, the free press, and the principles of open and free discussion of policy.” 

Oklahoma named one of finalist states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Oklahoma and 4 other states as potential host locations for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses - "a new effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle" - narrowing the field from 26 states that applied for the project. The Department will ultimately select up to three states for the Innovation Campuses.

Joining Oklahoma are Idaho, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Utah. According to the DOE, each of the proposed campuses could bring an estimated $50B in capital investment and 25,000 jobs. Here's more on what these campuses are all about: 

The proposed campuses are designed to support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and final disposition of used nuclear fuel. Depending on state priorities and regional capabilities, the campuses may also host advanced reactor deployment, power generation, advanced manufacturing, and co located data centers.

Below are reactions from a number of elected officials:

Mazzei endorsed by multiple state legislators, OK2A

In recent days, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei has been endorsed by a number of state legislators and local elected officials, individuals who are joining President Donald Trump and Congressman Josh Brecheen in supporting Mazzei's campaign for governor. Also endorsing Mazzei is the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, the state's leading gun-rights group.

Oklahoma Second Amendment Association Endorses Mike Mazzei

Tulsa, OK (July 22nd) — Today, the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association announced their endorsement of conservative Republican Mike Mazzei for Governor.

“The Oklahoma Second Amendment Association Board of Directors has by a majority vote ENDORSED Mike Mazzei for Governor,” said Chairman Tom Vineyard. “Mike Mazzei has returned an OKA "A" Candidate Survey and participated at our OKA Candidate Forum for governor. He had a proven conservative voting record while he was in the Oklahoma legislature. We ask voters to support Mike Mazzei for the next governor to protect and return Second Amendment rights, and secure the liberties we so value.”

Gov. Stitt appoints James Green as DA for Pittsburg and Haskell counties

Governor Stitt Appoints James Green as District 18 Attorney for Pittsburg and Haskell Counties

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 20, 2026) - Governor Stitt announced the appointment of James Green as District Attorney for District 18, representing Pittsburg and Haskell Counties. This appointment is effective immediately.

“James' experience as acting district attorney has proven he has the leadership, judgment, and character to serve as district attorney for the citizens of District 18,” said Governor Stitt. “His eight years as a prosecutor, combined with his military service, have prepared him to uphold the rule of law in our communities. I have no doubt James will deliver justice to his district and the people of Oklahoma.”

Mazzei endorsed by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Endorses Mike Mazzei

Tulsa, OK (July 14th) — Today, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced her endorsement of conservative Republican Mike Mazzei for Governor.

"As Governor of Arkansas, I know how important it is to have a conservative, America First partner in Oklahoma, and there is no one I'd rather work with than Mike Mazzei. Mike has a plan for Oklahoma. He will lower taxes, launch a massive statewide literacy program, and ban foreign adversaries from the state,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “If we're going to continue making this region great again, it means electing conservative, America First leaders like Mike Mazzei. That's why I'm proud to join President Trump in endorsing Mike Mazzei for Governor of Oklahoma.”

Happy 250th, America!

Happy 250th birthday, America – may our people remember our founding principles and may liberty live long in our land!

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

Reps. Gann, Kevin West ask OK Supreme Court to end 'muzzling' of customers opposing $29M ONG rate hike

Gann, Kevin West ask OK Supreme Court to End ‘Muzzling’ of Utility Customers opposing $29M ONG Rate Increase

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 19, 2026) – Just a day after winning reelection to his House seat, Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, filed an appeal of another ruling of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He was joined by Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore.

A June 11 OCC ruling denied the intervention of customers trying to participate in the latest rate case for Oklahoma Natural Gas Company (ONG). The utility is seeking a $29 million rate increase. If approved, it would mark the fourth rate hike the OCC has approved for ONG in the last four years, increasing customer bills by more than $128 million.

Often joined by Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, Gann, West and West now have eleven OCC utility appeals pending before the state’s highest court. This latest appeal, filed June 17, brings the total amount of ONG, OG&E and PSO customer payments the representatives have challenged to $500 million in rate increases, $3.2 billion in 2021 Winter Storm bonds, $11 billion in fuel charges, and $1.3 billion in new capacity preapprovals. Six of those appeals are now fully briefed and under consideration by the Supreme Court.

2026 Primary Election Day: Links and Resources

Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 16th) is the Oklahoma Primary Election. If you haven't voted yet either by absentee or early in-person, you will have from 7:00am to 7:00pm to cast your ballots. If you don't know where to vote, or want to see your sample ballot, use this helpful link from the Oklahoma State Election Board to find out.

Below is a brief summary of my picks on various Republican primary races, as well as some links to additional resources about the election and GOP candidates that you may find helpful.

Barton: SQ 832 has Big City costs for Small Town budgets

SQ 832: Big City Costs, Small Town Budgets

by Brian Barton, Oilton City Council, Ward 4

What works in New York and Los Angeles does not always work in Oilton, Drumright, or Mannford, Oklahoma. But what does it mean for small towns across our state?

There will be a lot of discussion about State Question 832 and raising the minimum wage. The idea behind it is simple. People want hardworking Oklahomans to earn a better living. That is a goal most of us share. But the real question is how statewide policies affect small town budgets and the services our communities depend on every day.

One part of the proposal ties future wage increases to a national urban inflation index. In simple terms, that means wages would continue rising automatically every year.

Small towns run on local dollars. Our budgets come from local sales taxes, utility payments, and the limited revenue streams that keep a community running.

This is not unique to Oilton. The same reality applies to small towns across Oklahoma. Whether it is a town of 500 or 5,000, the math does not change. Limited revenue, essential services, and tight budgets are the norm, not the exception.

A modest raise sounds good to everyone at first. But it does not stop at $15 or even $20 an hour. The increases continue every year forever, and over time they can quickly become unsustainable for small businesses and small town budgets.

Small: Where do businesses get their money?

Where do businesses get their money?

By Jonathan Small

Under State Question 832, the minimum wage in Oklahoma will more than double from $7.25 an hour to $15 an hour by 2029 and then continue rising at a rapid pace every year based on the cost of living in the nation’s largest urban centers.

Even supporters of SQ 832 concede it will increase Oklahoma employers’ labor costs by $783 million annually. They tout this as a good thing, but ignore a fundamental question: Where do businesses get their money? The answer: from their customers.

Ultimately, every dollar an employer receives comes from a customer. Money doesn’t grow on trees, as your dad probably told you. This economic reality escapes the supporters of SQ 832.

VP Vance, DHS Secretary Mullin endorse TW Shannon for Lt. Governor

Having received President Trump's endorsement back in March, T.W. Shannon wrapped up the major Trump administration endorsements this week from Vice President JD Vance and Oklahoma's own former U.S. Senator and Congressman, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin:

(image cropped from a Shannon campaign post)

VICE PRESIDENT J.D. VANCE ENDORSES T.W. SHANNON FOR OKLAHOMA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (June 12th) — Vice President J.D. Vance announced his endorsement of T.W. Shannon today, saying the former Speaker of the House has the right values and best experience to serve as Oklahoma’s next Lieutenant Governor.