Final hours: Mazzei endorsed by Markwayne Mullin, OK Freedom Caucus

In the closing hours of the Republican runoff election, gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei held a "tele-rally" with President Donald Trump. During the call, Trump announced that Oklahoma's Markwayne Mullin was joining him in endorsing Mazzei for Governor.

AG to Muskogee schools: 1st Amendment did not require canceling prayer walk

Drummond tells Muskogee schools the First Amendment did not require canceling prayer walk, offers future support

OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. 21, 2026) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond today advised Muskogee Public Schools that it was under no constitutional obligation to cancel a community prayer walk earlier this month, and offered this Office’s assistance to any Oklahoma district that receives a similar demand.

Muskogee 6th and 7th Grade Academy had scheduled a Back to School Community Prayer Walk for the morning of August 12, the day before classes began. A Wisconsin-based advocacy organization, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, sent the district a letter the day before the event demanding its cancellation. The district canceled the walk, removed the announcements and notified parents.

In a letter to Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall, Drummond concluded that no student was required to be on campus that day, that no student faced any consequence for staying away, and that the walk was scheduled at an hour when no instructional period existed to interrupt.

2026 Runoff Election Day: Links and Resources

Tomorrow (Tuesday, August 25th) 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 runoff races and the state questions, as well as some links to additional resources about the election and GOP candidates that you may find helpful.

My Picks for the 2026 Oklahoma Runoff and State Questions

Tuesday, August 25th is the Oklahoma Runoff Election, and voters all across the state will be heading to the polls to decide nominees in a number of statewide and local races, as well as two State Questions. Hopefully the information in this post will be helpful with your voting plans. 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 are a few of my voting picks. I have included links to additional helpful resources, endorsements, and voter guides at the bottom:

State Sen. Shane Jett endorses Mazzei for Governor

State Sen. Shane Jett, head of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus, is backing Mike Mazzei for Governor, joining a host of other conservative legislators and activists in picking Mazzei over Drummond:

🇺🇸 JETT ENDORSES MAZZEI 🇺🇸

As one of the most conservative senators in the Oklahoma Legislature, my focus has always been representing taxpayers, not state agencies and certainly not lobbyists.

I endorse Mike Mazzei for Governor because I value integrity and put policy above… pic.twitter.com/8682HoFS10

— Shane David Jett (@shanejett) August 18, 2026

Desperate Drummond demands drug test

As a sign of how desperate and flailing his campaign is in the closing days of this gubernatorial runoff, Genter Drummond is now demanding that Mike Mazzei submit to the same drug test that he took. It's worth noting that the physician quoted in this press release is a rabid Drummond supporter, who actively mocks Mazzei on social media.

I think it's interesting that the Drummond campaign feels that they're losing to someone who, in their mind, simply must be a drug-addled weirdo. That's the clear indication that they're giving off. Childish and unbecoming of someone who wants to be your governor.

DRUMMOND RELEASES CLEAN HAIR FOLLICLE TEST, CALLS ON MAZZEI TO DO THE SAME

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (August 17th) — Republican candidate for Governor Gentner Drummond today released the results of a clean hair drug test capable of detecting drug use over an approximately 90-day period and challenged Mike Mazzei to take and release the results of the same test.

Don't fall for smears: Win with Quinn on August 25th

Marty Quinn, candidate for Insurance Commissioner, has responded to shameful smears by his opponent, attacking Quinn for being born in Arkansas (I wish that was just a joke... as if one can do anything about where you are born!) and for moving to Arkansas to care for aging parents in their final days.

Yes, Bob Sullivan and his supporters are attacking Marty Quinn for prioritizing ailing family a few years back. That's a real jerk move.

I have known Quinn for over fifteen years. He is a man of sincere character and real integrity, the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back if you needed it. He's devoted to his church and his family. This man believes in service and putting others first. He's not the kind of man to malign and besmirch his opposition, because he believes in a positive vision for Oklahoma and setting an example for others.

Drummond's "Deplorables"

I ran across this observation from Karen Hardin of  Awake Oklahoma, and it was too good to not pass along:

DRUMMOND CALLS SOME REPUBLICANS FASCISTS

Much like the ill-fated statement of Hillary Clinton, when she stated half of Donald Trump's supporters belonged in a "basket of deplorables," so gubernatorial candidate, Gentner Drummond stepped in it big time after he called some Republicans "fascists."

Drummond, who is running as a Republican after years of... donating to Democrats, evidently let his true feelings be known. 

There's plenty of reasons to oppose Gentner Drummond's candidacy, but you can add him being the Antifa candidate to the list!

Jake Merrick, Rep. Jim Shaw endorse Mazzei for Governor

As the runoff election draws closer, Mike Mazzei continues to win endorsements from grassroots conservative activists and legislators across the state. Two of the latest are conservative champion State Rep. Jim Shaw (R-Chandler) and Jake Merrick, who placed fourth in the June primary for governor. are choosing Mazzei over a floundering Gentner Drummond who is increasingly appealing to moderates and liberals with his campaign rhetoric.

Merrick made his support known in this video released on the 12th:

Op-ed: Drummond, the Antifa Candidate

The Antifa Candidate

by James Silberman

Leftists cynically and dishonestly wielding the epithet “fascist” against Republicans has become a feature of modern American politics. Every Republican Presidential nominee since Gerald Ford has faced a version of this accusation. Kamala Harris repeatedly called President Trump a fascist during the 2024 election cycle.

But its use is not merely electoral. This particular slander serves another purpose crucial to the Left’s plan: justifying violence and legal persecution against conservatives. “Hey, Fascist! Catch!” was engraved on the bullet that took Charlie Kirk from this world. As was said by many following the Kirk assassination, "They don't kill us because they think we're fascists; they call us fascists so they can justify killing us." The 2023 indictments of President Trump and his staff were similarly justified by claiming the defendants deserved jail because of their “fascism.”

At a Tuesday forum, Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate Gentner Drummond proclaimed that political parties “want the most extreme candidate to be their banner-waver,” and that the “extreme” candidates favored by the GOP are “fascists.”

In the following words, I may seem indignant at Drummond’s use of the phrase. That is because I am indignant. You should be too. Drummond’s reckless accusation plays into a radical, far-left narrative about American conservatives that often puts us in physical danger. 

Meadows publishes his 'Charlie's Picks' for 2026 runoff election

Historically one of the highly anticipated "picks" of each election cycle by grassroots conservatives, former Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee chairman (and recent Logan County Commissioner) Charlie Meadows has published his thoughts on the 2026 runoff election. Meadows, who long opined on Oklahoma politics when he was chairman of OCPAC in his famous email newsletters, now has a new podcast, The ABCs of Politics and Culture. Without further ado, here are Charlie's Picks:

Charlie’s Picks 2026 Runoff Election

Based upon my research I have come up with the candidates that I believe should be elected. Folks reading this may have information about a particular candidate of which I am unaware and therefore have a different opinion which is understandable.  Please share this with others. Should you want to contact me my email address is charliemeadows7@gmail.com. Look on the bottom of your voter ID card sent to you from your county election board if you are unsure of the State House, Senate or US Representative districts in which you live. I have done interviews with all of the Statewide candidates on our ABCs of Politics and Culture Podcast which can be found on Facebook, YouTube, X and Rumble. By watching those interviews it may help you make up your mind and understand why I have endorsed them.

Governor:  MIKE MAZZEI  This is the most important race on the ballot for a state wide race.

Congressman Brecheen on why he supports Marty Quinn for Insurance Commissioner

Here's Congressman Josh Brecheen on why he's supporting Marty Quinn for Insurance Commissioner:

I agree with Brecheen. Vote for Marty Quinn on August 25th!

TRANSCRIPT

Josh Brecheen: We are moving to a place in the next several days where you’re gonna be choosing who’s gonna be your next Insurance Commissioner, and I made up my mind many, many months ago. It’s Marty Quinn.

Muskogee, Coca-Cola partner for 'Paint the Nation' America250 initiative, unveil downtown mural design

MUSKOGEE UNVEILS DESIGN FOR DOWNTOWN MURAL AS PART OF COCA-COLA'S PAINT THE NATION INITIATIVE

MUSKOGEE, OK – (8.12.26) – Love Bottling Company and ABV Agency today unveiled the final design for a mural in downtown Muskogee. The public art project will transform the southwest-facing wall of the Ruth Kelly Studio building into a vibrant tribute to the city's rich history, iconic landmarks and enduring community spirit. The mural is part of Coca-Cola's nationwide Paint the Nation initiative, commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

Cong. Brecheen announces 15 town halls across 2nd District

Congressman Brecheen Announces August Town Halls

Oklahoma (August 3rd) – On Monday, Congressman Brecheen announced his August town hall schedule which includes stops in 15 different cities. [UPDATE: the dates were adjusted on August 11th. The town halls will now start run from August 26th to August 28th]

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

8:00am - 9:00am
Muskogee Town Hall
Martin Luther King Center
Conference Room
300 W. Martin Luther King St.
Muskogee, OK 74401

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Eufaula Town Hall
Eufaula Memorial Library
301 S. First St.
Eufaula, OK 74432

2:00pm - 3:00pm
Wilburton Town Hall
Latimer County Public Library
301 W. Ada Ave.
Wilburton, OK 74578

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Poteau Town Hall
Donald W. Reynolds Community Center
105 Reynolds Ave.
Poteau, OK 74953

7:00pm - 8:00pm
Broken Bow Town Hall
Broken Bow Library
404 N. Broadway St.
Broken Bow, OK 74728

Thursday, August 27th, 2026

8:00am - 9:00am
Tishomingo Town Hall
Johnston County Library
116 W. Main St.
Tishomingo, OK 73460

10:00am - 11:00am
Durant Town Hall
Donald W. Reynolds Library
1515 W. Main St.
Durant, OK 74701

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Coalgate Town Hall
Coal County Public Library
115 W. Ohio Ave.
Coalgate, OK 74538

2:00pm - 3:00pm
McAlester Town Hall
Southeast Expo Center
Room 101
4500 W. US Highway 270
McAlester, OK 74501

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Holdenville Town Hall
Grace M. Pickens Public Library
209 E. 9th St.
Holdenville, OK 74848

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Okemah Town Hall
Okfuskee County Historical Society
407 W. Broadway Street
Okemah, OK 74859

Friday, August 28th, 2026

8:00am - 9:00am
Jay Town Hall
Delaware County Fairgrounds
300 Fairground Boulevard
Jay, OK 74346

10:00am - 11:00am
Chouteau Town Hall
Chouteau Town Hall
111 S. Lewis St.
Chouteau, OK 74337

2:00pm - 3:00pm
Claremore Town Hall
Claremore Conference Center
Will Rogers South Ballroom
1400 W. Country Club Rd.
Claremore, OK 74017

5:00pm - 6:00pm
Bartlesville Town Hall
Tri County Tech
Event Center
6101 Nowata Rd.
Bartlesville, OK 74006

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. 

Meadows publishes his 'Charlie's Picks' for 2026 primary

Historically one of the highly anticipated "picks" of each election cycle by grassroots conservatives, former Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee chairman (and recent Logan County Commissioner) Charlie Meadows has posted his thoughts on the 2026 primary election. Meadows, who long opined on Oklahoma politics when he was chairman of OCPAC in his famous email newsletters, now has a new podcast, The ABCs of Politics and Culture. Without further ado, here are Charlie's Picks:

CHARLIE’S PICKS 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION

Based on my research as well as information from other trusted sources I have come up with the candidates that I believe should win. Folks reading this may have information about a particular candidate of which I am unaware and therefore have a different opinion which is understandable. Please feel free to share this with others. To contact me my email is charliemeadows7@gmail.com. If you aren't sure which State Senate or House district you live in or Congressional district, that information is on the bottom of your voter ID card sent to you from your county election board.

Barton: Insurance Commissioner race matters more than most realize

Oklahoma’s Insurance Commissioner Matters More Than Most Realize

June 8th, by Brian Barton

During part of Marty Quinn’s time in the Oklahoma Senate, I worked in and around the Oklahoma Legislature and had the opportunity to observe his work firsthand. These are my personal observations about a man I respect.

Politics often focuses on speeches, advertisements, and campaign promises. My perspective is a little different. I had the opportunity to watch Marty work, interact with people, and serve in public office. What stood out to me wasn’t one particular moment. It was the consistency.

Whether working with constituents, fellow lawmakers, agency officials, or community leaders, Marty developed a reputation for being prepared, thoughtful, and willing to do the work required to solve problems. In my experience, consistency is one of the most underrated qualities in public service.

For those reasons, I believe Marty Quinn is the right person for the job.

Former AG O'Connor endorses Jeff Starling for Attorney General

Former Attorney General John O'Connor Endorses Jeff Starling

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 12th) — Former Attorney General and conservative champion John O’Connor endorsed Jeff Starling for Attorney General.

“I am honored to endorse my friend Jeff Starling for the very important office of Oklahoma Attorney General. As a former Attorney General, I know the experience and skills we need from our Attorney General.

We need an experienced attorney, not a career politician!

Jeff Starling is the person who is best qualified to serve Oklahoma in this office. He is a smart, gifted Attorney. He has the heart of a warrior and will stand firm for our rights. At the same time, he has the heart of a public servant. He is running for the right reason — to serve you and me.

Small: What causes inflation? Government.

What causes inflation? Government.

By Jonathan Small

The financial pinch families feel from rising prices is undeniable. Yet too few understand that government is responsible for soaring prices.

Consider college costs. The massive government subsidies provided to colleges, through free-flowing student loans, billions in state and local tax dollars, government’s cultural overemphasis on a college degree, and the complicit “paper ceiling” at many businesses, make students much less price sensitive. Colleges have responded by hiking tuition.

According to JP Morgan, the cost of clothing has increased 35 percent since 1983 while gas increased 182 percent. But college tuition has soared 914 percent.

Mazzei's Millions: nears $11M in personal campaign loans

Prepare to be flabbergasted. We have a new state record for most personal money loaned by a candidate to his own political campaign:

Mike Mazzei has loaned his campaign nearly 11 million dollars.

$11,000,000.00.

Eleven million dollars.

That is more any candidate has ever personally loaned his campaign during one election cycle in Oklahoma history. Governor Kevin Stitt loaned his 2018 campaign ~$5M, and another ~$2M in 2022, for a cumulative total of $7M. That seems to be the previous record. Combined with his 2018 loans, Stitt raised another $5M+ for a full total of $10.8M, another record at the time. Mazzei smashed both in just a few months with his personal bankrolling.

McCall's $5.6M loan is nothing to sneeze at, also one of the top in history, but Mazzei's millions blow that away.

Wow.

Early voting begins Thursday for June 16th election

Early Voting Begins Thursday for June 16 Election

(Limited-Edition “I Voted” Sticker Available) 

(June 8th, Oklahoma City) – In-person absentee voting (also known as “early voting”) for the June 16 Election begins Thursday across the state. Early voting locations will be open Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Saturday, June 13 (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.).

State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced that, “In honor of America’s 250th birthday, limited-edition ‘I Voted’ stickers will be available at early voting locations and polling place locations across the state, while supplies last.” There are two different designs. A preview of the designs can be found on the State Election Board website.

Tonight: Muskogee's Symphony in the Park

This evening is one of my favorite community events of the year in Muskogee, the 36th annual Symphony in the Park. Featuring the excellent musicians of the Muskogee Community Band, a fireworks finale to Stars and Stripes Forever, concessions, and an art auction, this family-friendly event at Honor Heights Park is well worth attending. They have a special patriotic program planned for America's 250th birthday, and you won't want to miss it!

The weather last weekend forced a postponement, but things look great for this evening.

My Picks for the 2026 Oklahoma GOP Primary

Tuesday, June 16th is the Oklahoma Primary Election, and voters all across the state will be heading to the polls to decide nominees in many different races. Some are already voting via absentee ballot. Hopefully the information in this post will be helpful with your voting plans. 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 are a few of my voting picks. Work and other commitments prevented me from getting into more detail on most of these races, but here are some basic thoughts. If I have any additions or changes as we approach election day, I will clearly note them (6/11: I have updated my State Treasurer take). I have included links to additional helpful resources, endorsements, and voter guides at the bottom:

New post-Trump endorsement poll: Mazzei on top of Gov race, Merrick into 3rd

The first publicly-released opinion poll since President Donald Trump endorsed Republican candidate Mike Mazzei finds the former state senator (unsurprisingly) taking the lead, with Attorney General Gentner Drummond falling into second, and perhaps more surprisingly, former state senator Jake Merrick jumping into third over significantly more well-funded candidates, albeit a somewhat distant third. The same poll finds U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern with a massive lead in the race for U.S. Senate.

Here are the results from JMC Analytics:

Cong. Brecheen endorses Marty Quinn for Insurance Commissioner

Oklahoma's best, most conservative member of Congress endorses Marty Quinn for Insurance Commissioner. I concur. Marty Quinn is a great guy, and has the best private and public sector experience to do this job well.

Congressman Josh Brecheen: 

“I am proud to endorse Marty Quinn for Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner. I had the privilege of serving alongside Marty in the Oklahoma Legislature for eight years, where he consistently proved himself to be a principled conservative, a man of integrity, and someone who always kept his word. Marty never wavered in his commitment to doing what was right, even when it wasn’t the easiest path.

Small: Thomas’ warning should be heeded

Thomas’ warning should be heeded

By Jonathan Small

 

In April 15 remarks at the University of Texas at Austin, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas warned that progressivism threatens a core element of the United States’ founding—the belief that it is “self-evident” that “all men are created equal” and “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” as described in the Declaration of Independence.

 

Americans need to take Thomas’ warning seriously.

Hilliary political machine dumps major money into SD32, backs Curtis Erwin over conservative Sen. Dusty Deevers

Candidate Curtis Erwin flanked by major donors Dustin (l) and Michael Hilliary (r)

There's a new big-time player on the Oklahoma political scene. The Hilliary family of southwest Oklahoma, known best for their broadband company (Hilliary Communications) and a growing statewide media network (Hilliary Media Group), rose in recent years from relative obscurity to being among the biggest political donors in Oklahoma and garnering appointments to key governmental roles and boards. 

Now, they are setting their sights on Lawton area's State Senate District 32, backing political blank-slate newcomer Curtis Erwin against one of the most conservative Republicans in the Oklahoma State Senate, Dusty Deevers. This is the second election in a row that they have heavily backed a candidate in this Senate seat, having flushed tens of thousands of dollars into a candidate who lost to Deevers in the 2023 special election.

Voters in Senate District 32 need to recognize this for what it is: a brazen attempt by powerful special interests to oust a vocal conservative reformer.

They voted to make it easier to raise your taxes. Vote accordingly.

In 1992, Oklahoma voters revolted against higher taxes and passed State Question 640, a constitutional amendment that attacked the ease with which tax increases had historically been passed. SQ640 required revenue-raising measures to either be passed by a majority vote of the people (50%+1) or a 75% vote in both houses of the Legislature, rather than a simple legislative majority as had been the practice.

Big government advocates and tax hogs have complained about it ever since.

During the last major state budget crisis (2016-2018), most legislative Republicans abandoned their conservative principles in the face of tough fiscal choices. Additionally, they increasingly started to talk about gutting SQ640 and lowering the standard for revenue-raising measures.

Until the 2017-18 special sessions, no outright tax increase had achieved that 75% hurdle, although hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes had been raised through other means (votes of the people, fees, and other sleight-of-hand loopholes). To be fair, very few outright tax increases had been previously attempted. Nevertheless, the 75% hurdle did not prove to be "impossible" as tax fans had decried.

At the beginning of the 2018 legislative session, efforts began in earnest to actually reduce the revenue-raising threshold and gut SQ640's constitutional language. House leadership filed a measure (HJR1032) to drop the threshold to 3/5ths (60%), and then a new measure (HJR 1050) to change it to 2/3rds was brought to the floor.

All of this continued to ignore the fact that a statewide vote of the people only requires a bare majority of 50%+1 vote. Legislators continue to fear placing tax increase measures before the voters, counting instead on short memories to cover up their legislative voting records.

HJR 1050 made it to a vote. An amendment was submitted to reduce the tax-hike vote threshold from the proposed 2/3rds back down to 60% (like HJR 1032). That amendment failed, although a shameful 39 Republicans voted for it. The next vote saw 44 Republicans join 7 Democrats in passing the bill.

That brings us to this election. Three Republicans on the June primary ballot for statewide office and one running for Congress voted to gut SQ640 and make it easier for the Legislature to raise your taxes.

Former House Speaker Charles McCall, and former Rep. Jon Echols, current Rep. John Pfeiffer, and then-Sen. Kim David all voted to reduce the tax-raising requirement from 3/4ths to 2/3rds. Speaker McCall and Reps. Echols and Pfeiffer voted to move it even lower to 3/5ths.

Trump endorses Mike Mazzei for OK Governor

With a tightly-crowded Republican field of candidates, this just might call the race. This afternoon, President Donald Trump gave his "Complete and Total Endorsement" to Mike Mazzei for Governor of Oklahoma:

Remember: Kim David killed abortion ban — with a smirk

artwork by T. Russell Hunter

Current Corporation Commissioner and former State Senator Kim David is one of the 11 Republican candidates running for the 1st Congressional District. Her record on tax and fiscal policy is abysmal (bodes well for being in DC, right?).

There's one other thing to know about Kim David.

When push came to shove, when it actually mattered, when Oklahoma could have taken the lead in ending abortion in our state and protecting the preborn... instead, with an actual movie-villain smirk, Kim David KILLED the bill that would have abolished abortion in Oklahoma in 2020. 

Angry senator drops accidental truth bomb in debate tirade

This week, two state senators from different ends of the Republican caucus plainly told the truth about the stakes of this year's Republican primary election: it's about who gets to control the Oklahoma State Senate going forward. Will principled conservatives hold the reins for the first time, or will the establishment moderates continue their reign of power?

Senate Majority Whip Bill Coleman (R-Ponca City) absolutely erupted in anger at a Senate District 10 candidate forum in Ponca City this week, dropping an accidental truth bomb in the middle of a tirade against Senate conservatives.

Coleman said: "This election is about who is gonna control the Oklahoma State Senate, and I do not want it to be the Freedom Caucus."

Just The Facts: Candidate Voting Records on 2016-2018 Tax Hikes

There are a number of current or former Republican state legislators running for higher office, and I wanted to do a post on their voting records during the 2016-2018 tax hike spree that Governor Mary Fallin and the GOP-led legislature went on (I ran the first version of this post during the 2022 election). 

During good economic times, Republicans like to run on tax cuts and no-new-taxes pledges, but the real test of their espoused principles comes during economic downturns and belt-tightening eras. Will their rhetoric match their governing, when push comes to shove and budgets have to be balanced? Will their instinct be to raise taxes, or to cut government?

So, without further ado, Just The Facts: 2026 Candidate Voting Records on Major Tax and Fee Increases in the Oklahoma Legislature, 2016-2018. We will specifically be looking at the voting record of 12 current or former Republican legislators who are on the June 16th GOP primary election ballot for statewide or congressional offices.

The colors I used in the following graphics are not 'green for good, red for bad'. Green means they voted for the tax increase measure, Red means they voted against the tax increase measure, Gray means they missed the vote, and blank means they were not eligible to vote (for example, Sen. Mazzei left office in 2016, and was only around to vote on three of these bills; Humphrey, Pugh, and West didn't enter office until the 2016 election, and thus their votes start in 2017. In other cases the bill either did not receive a hearing in that legislative chamber or the member was not on the committee where a vote took place). 

The very last measure in each graphic, HJR1050, is perhaps the most important of these recorded votes, as a green/yes vote there indicates that the legislator voted to make it much easier for the Legislature to raise your taxes.

Let's dive in. The following five former state legislators are running for Governor or U.S. Congress (with former state senators Brecheen and Bice being current members of Congress):

(click to view larger)

Of these five former legislators, only Brecheen was in the small group of legislative conservatives who valiantly fought a losing effort against the onslaught of tax hikes. Speaker Charles McCall, in particular, ignominiously supported and promoted every tax increase proposal during this time period.

The next graphic examines seven other current or former Republican state legislators from that time period who are on the ballot for other statewide offices:

Small: Session will reap benefit for years

Session will reap benefit for years

By Jonathan Small

Academic outcomes in Oklahoma’s public school system have been among the worst in the nation for years. But this year’s legislative session alters that trajectory and the full benefit will become apparent over time.

One of the most important actions taken this year was passage of Senate Bill 1778, which effectively requires that students read at least on a second-grade level before beginning the fourth grade, or face retention in the third grade. The new law also provides for intensive early intervention for struggling students in the first through third grades.

Based on state testing results, just 27 percent of Oklahoma third graders read at or above grade level, and National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests show that only 23 percent of Oklahoma fourth-grade students scored at or above proficient in 2024. Only two states did worse.

American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) endorses State Treasurer Todd Russ for reelection

American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) Endorses Todd Russ for Oklahoma State Treasurer 

Oklahoma City, OK – May 14, 2026 – American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR), Oklahoma’s leading voice for family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, today proudly announced its endorsement of incumbent State Treasurer Todd Russ in his bid for re-election. 

“Todd Russ has proven himself as a steadfast advocate for Oklahoma’s agricultural producers and rural economies,” said AFR Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. “His conservative fiscal management, support for agricultural lending programs, and commitment to strengthening Oklahoma’s financial stability directly benefit our members who rely on strong markets, reliable infrastructure, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. AFR is confident that Treasurer Russ will continue delivering results for family farms and ranches across the state.” 

New Oklahoma law expands raw milk sales

New Oklahoma Law Expands Raw Milk Sales

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 14th) — A bill giving Oklahoma dairy producers more freedom to sell raw milk has been signed into law.

Senate Bill 2028, introduced by Sen. Jonathan Wingard, R-Ada, and Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, allows dairy producers to advertise the sale of raw milk on their farms. It also raises the monthly sales cap, enabling producers to sell up to 1,500 gallons of raw milk per month. 

Wingard said the bill expands opportunities for direct-to-consumer raw milk sales as demand for the product continues to grow.

Gov. Stitt, AG Drummond trade barbs over cooperating with Trump Medicaid fraud audit

One of the positive things to look forward to after this year will be the end of this endless bickering and fighting between Gov. Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond (who I certainly hope does not become Oklahoma's next governor...). Drummond wouldn't agree with Stitt if Stitt said the sky was blue.

Governor Stitt Directs Attorney General to Align Efforts with Trump Administration Crackdown on Medicaid Fraud

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20, 2026) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt directed the Attorney General to cooperate with the Trump administration’s audit of Medicaid Fraud Control Units and ensure that Oklahoma taxpayer dollars are not being misused by bad actors.

The letter reads, in part:

“President Trump’s audit is aimed at aggressive enforcement, accurate documentation, and real accountability from Medicaid providers. That is the right agenda, and Oklahoma should be leading it.

Small: Attack on State Treasurer lacks merit

Attack on state treasurer lacks merit

By Jonathan Small

In politics, particularly during election years, thinly sourced allegations of wrongdoing are not unusual. Even so, a recent attack on State Treasurer Todd Russ makes for especially thin gruel. We’re supposed to believe Russ spearheaded a conspiracy to award a state contract … to the lowest bidder.

Several years ago, the Oklahoma Legislature created the Invest in Oklahoma program to encourage state pensions to invest up to 5 percent of their assets in Oklahoma-based companies. Eventually, lawmakers also voted to put the treasurer’s office in charge of the program but provided no extra funding to the agency to cover associated costs.