Keating raises $3.1M since October for Gov race, including $2M personal loan

We thought that the 2018 GOP gubernatorial primary was expensive. Just wait for the final total on the 2026 primary when all is said and done!

Keating Campaign Announces $3.1 Million Raised Since Launch

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 30th) - Chip Keating’s campaign for Oklahoma Governor announced a historic fundraising start today, reporting $3.1 million raised since launching in October, including $1.1 million from individual donors and a $2 million personal investment from Keating. The campaign has $2.6 million cash on hand at the end of the fourth quarter.

Jordan Sekulow of ACLJ endorses Echols for Attorney General

The following is a press release from the Jon Echols for Attorney General campaign. [Just as a blogger's note, as I've pointed out previously, Echols had a horrendous record on tax-hikes in the legislature, including supporting a measure that would have absolutely gutted taxpayer protections by making it easier for legislators to raise taxes.]

Jordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), Endorses Jon Echols for AG

Oklahoma City, OK (Jan. 28th) - Jordan Sekulow is one of the most respected legal minds in the conservative movement. His work with the ACLJ and as a private attorney have set him apart as a champion for conservative values. Today, he announced his endorsement of Jon Echols for Oklahoma Attorney General. 

Democrat Rep. Pittman pleads guilty to felony forgery, resigns from office

State Rep. Ajay Pittman (D-OKC) has resigned in the wake of felony forgery and campaign finance violations. NonDoc has the in-depth particulars and background of the Pittman case. This will make the third special election in 2026 for a seat in the state legislature due to resignation, the others being Republican Ty Burns in HD35 and Democrat Forrest Bennett in HD92. Out of the 20 House Democrats that started the 60th Oklahoma Legislature after the 2024 election, this latest resignation means that 20% (4) of the original Democratic caucus will have resigned before the end of their two-year term.

Pittman pleads guilty after investigation by Drummond’s office

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 28, 2026) – State Rep. Ayshia “Ajay” Pittman pleaded guilty today to felony charges related to submitting a forged check to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission following an investigation by Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office. As part of her sentence, Pittman will resign from her elected position in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

According to the charges, Pittman directed the creation of a falsified check, which was then submitted to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission in an attempt to avoid repayment of funds to her campaign account. The scheme involved altering and creating a false $2,500 check and using a computer network to  transmit the fraudulent document to state officials while representing it as genuine.

Ethics Commission sues vendor over failed campaign finance system

Drummond represents Ethics Commission in lawsuit over failed campaign finance system

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 22, 2026) -- The Oklahoma Ethics Commission, represented by Attorney General Gentner Drummond's office, has filed a lawsuit against RFD & Associates, Inc., alleging the Texas-based vendor failed to deliver a critical political finance reporting system despite repeated assurances and multiple deadline extensions, costing the state more than $800,000.

In December 2024, the Ethics Commission contracted with RFD & Associates, Inc. to create a new system to support statutorily mandated filing, review, and public disclosure in a timely manner. With the exception of the initial project kickoff, it failed to meet six of seven major contractual milestones and never produced an operational system. 

Hern Policy Institute launched to advance innovation and opportunity

Congressman Kevin Hern and his family have a new project:

Hern Policy Institute Launched To Advance Innovation and Opportunity

TULSA, OK, January 20, 2026 – The Hern Family of Tulsa, Oklahoma announced the launch of the Hern Policy Institute (HPI) to advance economic freedom and opportunity through research and innovation.

“Our family has always strived to help individuals, families, and communities that have experienced significant hardship. We believe it is time to direct resources and research into stopping economic hardship before it ever begins,” said Tammy Hern, Board of Directors of the Hern Policy Institute. “The Hern Policy Institute will fund and conduct research, foster innovation, and promote policies that unleash economic prosperity and allow our families and communities to flourish.”

State lawmakers urge Oklahomans: Be wary of signing SQ 836 petition

Most - but not all - of the Oklahoma Legislature's Republican members signed the following letter against State Question 836. Some of the missing names are unusual (mostly RINOs with a sprinkling of real conservatives); I'm trying to track down why a few of the 'good guys' aren't on here.

State lawmakers urge Oklahomans: Be wary of signing SQ 836 petition

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 22, 2026)—Today, Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton and Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, along with 110 of their fellow members of the Oklahoma Legislature, issued an open letter to the people of Oklahoma, urging them to be wary of signing the initiative petition to place State Question 836 on the statewide ballot.

The letter can be read here [PDF].

All totaled, the letter represents over 75 percent of the membership of Oklahoma’s two legislative chambers.

Small: Credit card debate based on false assumptions

Credit card debate based on false assumptions

By Jonathan Small

“Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself.”

Those are the words of Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman. Oklahomans are seeing this lack of belief in freedom firsthand as out-of-state interest groups seek to raise the minimum wage. Not to be outdone, lawmakers in Washington share the same unbelief in freedom as they seek to pass the poorly named Credit Card Competition Act.

Legislator files bill to increase daily physical activity for Oklahoma students

Roe Files Bill to Increase Daily Physical Activity for Oklahoma Students

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 14th) – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has filed legislation to expand physical education requirements for students in full-day pre-K through 12th grade across Oklahoma.

House Bill 3288 would increase required physical activity to 30 or 45 minutes per school day, depending on grade level, reflecting research linking regular exercise to stronger academic performance, improved mental health and better long-term health outcomes.

"Students benefit when physical activity is built into their school day," Roe said. "This bill is about helping them learn better, feel better, and grow into healthier adults. Strong bodies support strong minds. Regular movement not only supports their health, but it also helps them focus, retain information, and perform better academically."

The bill would expand current physical education requirements to include full-day pre-K and raise weekly activity time for elementary students from a weekly average of 60 minutes to a minimum of 150 minutes, or about 30 minutes per school day. Recess would not count toward the required minutes.

Contraband: OK Corrections seizes 2,000 pounds of substances, 10,000 banned items during 2025

I have so many questions after reading this...

Oklahoma Corrections seizes millions in contraband during 2025

(January 14th) The Oklahoma Department of Corrections seized millions of dollars in contraband during 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to protect staff, inmates and the public and to disrupt illegal activity inside state correctional facilities.

The seizures result from joint efforts by facility staff and the Office of the Inspector General. Contraband was confiscated from inmates, staff members and individuals attempting to smuggle illegal items into facilities through visits, drones, perimeter drops and other methods.

Drummond attracts donations from 6th most liberal senator

In an interesting tidbit from campaign finance filings, State Sen. Jo Anna Dossett (D-Tulsa) appears to be donating $10 per month to Republican Gentner Drummond's gubernatorial campaign. The date lines up with something like an auto-draft, and hints that donations may stretch back to April.

According to the Oklahoma Constitution's Conservative Index, Dossett is the 6th most liberal member of the Oklahoma Senate.

This is a bit of a turnaround from the more traditional Drummond track record, where he is usually the one giving campaign donations to Democrats, such as

• $1,000 to Brad Carson in 2004 (against conservative hero Tom Coburn).
• $2,500 to Democratic Congressman Dan Boren from 2004 to 2010.
• $1,500 to Democratic Lt. Governor candidate Pete Regan in 2005-2006.
• $500 to Democrat Drew Edmondson's 2010 gubernatorial campaign.
• $1,450 to Democratic nominee John Olson in the 1st Congressional District race in 2012.
• $500 to Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith (D) in 2012.
• $1,000 to Tulsa mayoral candidate Kathy Taylor (D) in 2013
• $1,000 to Democratic senatorial nominee Matt Silverstein (running against Jim Inhofe).
• $500 to State Representative and future Oklahoma Democratic Party chair John Waldron in 2017.
• $250 to State House candidate Andy Richardson in 2018.
• $1,000 to Joe Biden in 2020 (Drummond blames it on his wife).

Mazzei launches major ad buy in GOP gubernatorial primary

MIKE MAZZEI LAUNCHES MASSIVE MEDIA BLITZ

Tulsa, OK (January 14, 2026) -- Mike Mazzei, Republican candidate for Oklahoma Governor, this week launched a multi-million dollar media campaign which begins airing immediately across TV and streaming platforms. This comprehensive campaign will highlight Mike Mazzei’s true conservative principles.

“This is not just an advertising campaign -- it’s a movement to restore the values that make Oklahoma great,” Mike Mazzei said. “I'm running for Governor so that Oklahomans keep more of what they earn. I have a proven record of cutting taxes but we have more to do. As Governor, I have a plan to eliminate the property tax for seniors and veterans. We will phase out the income tax while investing in skilled-trade education to grow wages, not big government.”

Rep. Shaw files bills aimed at accountability, local oversight

This freshman legislator is swiftly becoming a favorite champion for grassroots conservatives in Oklahoma:

Shaw Files Legislative Package Focused on Accountability, Local Oversight

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 20th) – Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, has filed five bills for the 2026 legislative session focused on strengthening local decision-making, protecting taxpayers and ensuring accountability in major infrastructure and community development.

“These bills reflect clear promises I made to my constituents, and I am committed to delivering real progress on them this session,” Shaw said. “Oklahomans are tired of being sidelined while decisions are made that affect their land, their utilities and their tax dollars. This package puts control back where it belongs – with local communities and taxpayers, rather than politicians, unelected bureaucrats and special interest lobbyists who have their own agenda and essentially complete control over our state.”

Sen. Sacchieri bill would set moratorium on new data centers, study long-term effect on utilities, environment

Senator Sacchieri Files Legislation to Address Unknown Impacts of Data Centers on Oklahoma Communities

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Jan. 22nd) — Senator Kendal Sacchieri (R-Blanchard) has introduced Senate Bill 1488, legislation that would establish a moratorium on the construction of new data centers in Oklahoma until November 1, 2029 and direct the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to study the long-term effects these large facilities may have on state infrastructure and resources.

The moratorium would pause new data center development while the Corporation Commission conducts a comprehensive review of key concerns, including water supply impacts, utility rate pressures, property value effects, and optimal siting practices. The bill requires the Commission to submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature to inform future policy decisions.

Oklahoma Legislature sets another record for new bills filed before legislative session

When we add in the Senate bill filing, we come up with approximately 2,651 new pieces of legislation filed for the 2026 legislative session. As best as I can tell, that is - yet again - another record for even-year sessions, on top of the odd-year record set last year. Odd-numbered years, being the first half of each two-year legislative term, tend to have more measures filed than the second [even-numbered] year of the term; in most cases, unheard bills from the first year of the term can still be acted on in the second.

• 2026: 2,651
• 2025: 3,103
• 2024: 2,077
• 2023: 3,079
• 2022: 2,299
• 2021: 3,049
• 2020: 2,240
• 2019: 2,815

House Completes Bill Filing for 2026 Session

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 16th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives completed bill filing Thursday, Jan. 15, for the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature. A total of 1,578 House Bills and 50 House Joint Resolutions were filed before the deadline.

Small: Time to target government fraud

Time to target government fraud

By Jonathan Small

The state of Minnesota has recently made national news for an astounding level of fraud. When YouTuber Nick Shirley visited numerous daycare centers receiving an estimated $110 million in taxpayer subsidies, he found most appeared to serve no children. The resulting outcry led Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to abruptly announce he was abandoning a re-election bid. Federal officials are now investigating.

Similarly, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York recently filed charges against a long list of defendants accused of perpetrating one of the largest food-stamp fraud schemes in history, totaling more than $66 million in alleged illegal transactions.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently estimated as much as 10 percent of the federal budget, around $300 billion to $600 billion per year, is stolen by fraudsters.

Rep. Gann files 'Open Legislature Initiative', aims to subject lawmakers to transparency laws

Gann Announces ‘Open Legislature Initiative’ to Subject Lawmakers to Transparency Laws

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 15th) – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, on Thursday announced a comprehensive transparency package aimed at bringing the Oklahoma Legislature under the state’s open meetings and open records standards, calling the move "necessary to restore public trust and end a culture of secrecy in state government."

House Bill 3842, which Gann is calling the Open Legislature Initiative, is formally titled the Legislative Transparency, Accountability, and Open Meetings Act of 2026. In addition to requiring continued public notice and recording of legislative meetings for the Oklahoma House of the state Senate, the measure would mandate disclosure of lobbyist influence tied to legislation and prohibit nondisclosure agreements that interfere with lawmakers’ official duties.

“The Legislature cannot demand transparency from every other public body while exempting itself,” Gann said. “If we expect open government, we must lead by example.”

Bill to Abolish Abortion filed in Oklahoma

Let this be the year that the Oklahoma Legislature mans up and truly abolishes abortion in our state! 

Bill to Abolish Abortion Filed in Oklahoma

by the Foundation to Abolish Abortion — Jan. 14th, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — Oklahoma State Representative Gabe Woolley filed the Abolition of Abortion in Oklahoma Act this week to completely abolish abortion in the state.

House Bill 3038, which is co-sponsored by Oklahoma State Senator Warren Hamilton, would acknowledge the sanctity of life made in the image of God and the protections that must be extended to all persons under the Fourteenth Amendment.

The legislation would establish equal protection of the laws for preborn babies, ensuring that the same criminal and civil laws protecting born persons also protect preborn persons.

Rep. Norwood wants Fireworks Tax-Free Weekend for America’s 250th

There's an interesting idea. It reminds me of this famous quote from John Adams: "I am apt to believe that [Independence Day] will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more." (Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams - July 3rd, 1776)

Norwood Files Fireworks Tax-Free Weekend Bill for America’s 250th

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 16th) — Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, has filed legislation to create a temporary sales tax exemption on fireworks as Oklahoma and the nation prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

House Bill 4093 would establish a four-day, tax-free period for the sale of fireworks beginning at 12:01 a.m. July 2. and ending at midnight July 5. The exemption is intended to coincide with Independence Day celebrations marking America’s semiquincentennial.

Sen. Deevers files bills to combat illegal immigration, visa program abuses

Deevers Introduces Slate of America First Immigration Bills Protecting Oklahoma Workers and Sovereignty

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 16th) - On Friday, Senator Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, announced the introduction of a slate of five America First immigration bills aimed at curbing illegal immigration and protecting Oklahoma workers from visa program abuses.

“Oklahomans are incredible people with an incredible heritage and work ethic. Reckless federal immigration policies in recent decades are stealing that inheritance and displacing Oklahoma workers,” Deevers said. “These five proposals come from a place of love for Oklahoma and its people; the hard-working men, women, and families who are the lifeblood of our state. We need policies that put them first."

Rep. Boles files bill to protect Oklahomans from utility rate increases due to new data centers

Rep. Boles files bill to protect Oklahomans from utility rate increases due to new data centers

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 8th) – Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, has filed legislation with the intent to protect Oklahomans from having to pay increased utility rates by ensuring data centers pay their share of infrastructure costs as they expand across the state.

House Bill 2992, titled the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, would require data centers to pay their share of infrastructure costs associated with their significant electricity demands. While the bill's language is still being finalized, it is being drafted to prevent those costs from being passed on to residential, industrial and small-business ratepayers through higher utility rates.

"With more than a dozen potential new data centers planning to locate in Oklahoma that we are aware of at this point, we have to make sure everyday Oklahomans are not stuck paying the price of the electricity use due to these new data centers being built," Boles said. "This bill is about protecting ratepayers and making sure massive energy users cover the infrastructure needed to support their operations instead of shifting that burden onto families and small businesses."

Small: Debacle at OU underscores higher ed’s flaws

Debacle at OU underscores higher ed’s flaws

By Jonathan Small

University of Oklahoma officials recently announced a graduate assistant was “arbitrary” in flunking a student for stating there are only two sexes.

Still, the incident highlights the degree to which a college education is becoming a joke.

OU students were asked to read an article about gender-nonconforming children and write a short essay in response.

Samantha Fulnecky wrote that she “strongly” disagreed with the idea that “encouraging acceptance of diverse gender expressions could improve students’ confidence,” calling it a “lie that there are multiple genders.”

Course instructor Mel Curth gave Fulnecky a zero, declaring it a “fact” that “every” major medical association “acknowledges that, biologically and psychologically, sex and gender is neither binary nor fixed.” In short, Fulnecky was expected to deny reality to get an A.

Congressman Brecheen highlights 2025 work

Congressman Josh Brecheen's 2025 Highlights

Washington, DC (December 29, 2025) – As we reach the conclusion of Congressman Brecheen's third year in office, here's a recap of the top highlights from the year:

State Rep. Dempsey announces he will not seek reelection

Dempsey Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 31) – Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, announced today that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming election for House District 1.

Dempsey issued the following statement:

"Today I'm announcing that I will not seek reelection. I want to thank all my friends and supporters for electing me. Let me say that serving these past five years has been very rewarding, but it's time for me to come home.

Sen. Lankford Releases Statement on Arrest of Nicolás Maduro

Lankford Releases Statement on Arrest of Nicolás Maduro

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Jan. 3rd) — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Senate Republican Conference Vice Chair and member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement following the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

“When you funnel drugs and chaos into American streets, you should face justice. Today the very long and powerful arm of justice grabbed Nicolás Maduro and will put him in front of an American court,” said Lankford. “Maduro was a dictator who ruled through fraud, repression, and corruption, and his regime enabled drug trafficking that sent deadly narcotics into the United States. The Venezuelan people deserve free and fair elections and a peaceful return to freedom and prosperity. Thank you, President Trump, for keeping your word to stop the flow of drugs and crime into our nation.”

Election calendar modernization law takes effect, limits election dates

This was a good idea, and long needed. Far too often, local jurisdictions would schedule important votes at odd times in an effort to sneak through tax and bond increases. Standardizing election dates may help with raising voter turnout in these types of elections.

Election Calendar Modernization Law to Take Effect

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 31st) – A new law modernizing Oklahoma’s election calendar will affect elections beginning Jan. 1, 2026, bringing greater clarity, consistency and efficiency to when elections are held across the state.

Senate Bill 652 consolidates Oklahoma’s election dates into five standard election days each year, held in February, April, June, August and November. Previously, Oklahoma law allowed for up to 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and up to seven in even-numbered years. Frequent, low-profile elections often draw a small fraction of registered voters while requiring significant time and resources from county election boards and poll workers.