Jed Cochran announces campaign for Congress in 1st District

The first time I encountered Jed Cochran was at the 2008 2nd Congressional District Convention. There was a near-even split between the libertarian Ron Paul supporters and the GOP activists, fighting over three delegate and alternate-delegate slots to the 2008 Republican National Convention. Each vote was on a knife's edge and hotly contested.

One of the delegate candidates that nobody knew, a kid from Atoka County named Jedidiah Patriot Cochran, gave such a great stump speech that both sides thought he was one of theirs, and as I recall he received the most votes of anyone that contested day, winning his race handily. There was palpable confusion afterwards as both camps realized that, no, he wasn't "one of theirs" after all... or with the "other side"... but just a conservative rural kid who wanted to be a RNC delegate.

Cochran later went on to work for both U.S. Senators Coburn and Inhofe, and on Steve Russell's successful 2014 congressional campaign staff.

JED COCHRAN LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR U.S. CONGRESS

TULSA, OK (March 26th) — Today, Tulsan and fifth-generation Oklahoman Jed Cochran announced his candidacy for Oklahoma's First Congressional District. A loyal America First conservative, Cochran has dedicated his entire professional career to serving Green Country and advocating for the people of Tulsa. He has worked alongside some of Oklahoma's most respected conservative leaders, including Senator Jim Inhofe, Senator Tom Coburn, and Congressman Steve Russell. Over decades of service, he has built a reputation as a trusted advisor, a results-driven leader, and a steadfast voice for conservative principles. He has spent his career working behind the scenes to deliver results, not headlines.

Deeply rooted in Tulsa, Cochran met his wife here, built his career here, and is raising his family here. That experience shapes his commitment to the community he calls home. His involvement in conservative causes began at an early age, attending his first grassroots political event at just five years old, marking the beginning of more than three decades of conservative engagement. As he launches his campaign, Cochran remains focused on strengthening economic growth, serving the community, and defending the conservative values that define Oklahoma.

"I'm proud to have learned the true meaning of public service from many of our state's most respected conservative leaders. Today, Congress has too many talkers and not enough doers," Cochran said. "Our community expects results, not division. We need leaders who understand this district, who have spent their lives listening to and advocating for the families who live and work here."

"Despite decades of civil service, I have never sought public office. But after the encouragement of my Tulsa peers, and much thought and prayer with my wife, we have decided to step forward and run," Cochran continued. "Senator Inhofe, my mentor, taught me true leaders don't seek to lead. But when they are called, they don't hesitate. They answer. I've dedicated my career to serving this community, and I will never turn my back on it. I'm a small business owner, I'm raising my family here, and I've fought for you at the local, state, and federal levels. That's why I'm running, and that's what I'll do every day in Congress: fight for the people of the First District and stand up for the values that make Oklahoma strong."