Candidate filing for 2026 statewide, legislative, and judicial offices concluded yesterday, and boy were there some surprises.
First up, the official press release from the Oklahoma State Election Board, then a quick recap on the filing news:
Statement from Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board RE: 2026 Candidate Filing
Oklahoma City, April 3rd — The 2026 Candidate Filing Period closed today – April 3, 2026 – at 5:00 p.m. The Secretary of the State Election Board announced that a total of 611 candidates filed for state, federal, legislative, or judicial office, making the 2026 Candidate Filing Period the second largest candidate filing period in the past 25 years. The largest occurred in 2018 when a total of 794 candidates filed for office.
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.
Congressman Josh Brecheen Recognizes Service Academy Appointees
Washington, DC (March 17th) – Congressman Josh Brecheen recognizes the students from Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District who received nominations from our office and have received appointments to the United States Service Academies.
In a 54-45 vote yesterday afternoon, the United States Senate confirmed Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security. Three senators crossed party lines in the vote; Rand Paul (R-KY) voting against, while John Fetterman (D-PA) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) voting for Mullin.
With Mullin's resignation to take the cabinet position, Governor Kevin Stitt this morning announced his selection of energy executive Alan Armstrong to fill Mullin's seat for the remaining nine months of the Senate term.
Armstrong, stepping down as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Tulsa-based Williams Companies, says he will be focused on achieving permitting reform for large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. Stitt indicated conversations with Senate leadership and the White House led to specific requests for an appointee that could help in this area.
Given Armstrong's limited time as the placeholder for the Senate seat, there is a very short window of time in which he will have ability to act on legislation. Stitt said he chose Armstrong to help work across the aisle to bring movement on this particular area of policy (again, with confirmation from Senate leadership and the Trump administration).
Stitt mentioned transmission line projects during the press conference, in addition to other energy-related issues, which will likely cause ears to perk up among local activists across the state (and region) who have fought against similar projects and proposed wind-energy farms.
You can watch Stitt and Armstrong at the press conference here:
Governor Stitt Orders Transparency of Public School Spending
OKLAHOMA CITY (March 20, 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt today signed an executive order requiring a comprehensive review of how Oklahoma’s public education funding is being spent.
Under the Governor’s leadership, state appropriations for Oklahoma’s public school system have increased more during the last seven years than in the past 25 years combined. Between local, state, and federal dollars, $9.6 billion is allocated to public education each year, representing the largest annual investment of taxpayer dollars.
The combination of good government policies, over time, has a compounding effect that reaps growing benefit for a state. The same is true of bad government policies.
Oklahoma’s loss of major company headquarters in recent months is tied to the latter and shows why lawmakers must not retreat from undoing the harmful policy legacy of Oklahoma’s first 100 years.
When officials with Devon Energy and Coterra Energy announced the two companies are merging, they also announced the combined company will be headquartered in Houston, Texas, not Oklahoma City.
Shortly after, Expand Energy—formerly known as Chesapeake Energy—announced a similar headquarters relocation.
Joining fellow Republican candidates Corporation Commissioner Kim David and State Rep. Mark Tedford in running for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Kevin Hern is Navy veteran Jackson Stallings:
Jackson Stallings Announces Campaign for Oklahoma’s First Congressional District
Stallings touts both local and national conservative support out of the gate with endorsements from U.S. Congressman Brandon Gill and Oklahoma legend Steve Largent
Tulsa, OK — Navy veteran and America First Republican Jackson Stallings announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in Oklahoma’s First Congressional District. Jackson pledges to fight for President Trump’s America First agenda, defend Christian values, and deliver results for Oklahoma families.
Republican Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) is running for the Senate seat currently held by Markwayne Mullin, whom President Trump has nominated to head up the Department of Homeland Security.
In the past few days, first Congressman Josh Brecheen (OK-02) and then President Donald Trump himself have endorsed Hern's Senate bid. Add to this the fact that Hern is starting his Senate run with over $7,000,000 in cash on hand (with ~$5M in personal loans), and he has what likely amounts to an insurmountable jumpstart. At this point, will any legitimate, viable candidate even challenge Hern?
Rep. Josh Brecheen Endorses Hern for Senate
TULSA, OK (March 12, 2026) – Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen (OK-02) announced he’s backing Kevin Hern for U.S. Senate. Brecheen is the first member of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation to endorse Hern.
Tulsa Congressman Kevin Hern officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Markwayne Mullin, who President Trump is nominating to head up the Department of Homeland Security.
Hern will start the campaign with an astronomical financial lead over pretty much anyone else who might jump into the race. Dominos are now falling that will throw the Oklahoma election into pure chaos. Already, candidates are lining up to run for the 1st Congressional District seat that Hern will be leaving, and some of those candidates will be leaving legislative or local offices open.
Kevin Hern Announces Campaign for U.S. Senate in Oklahoma
TULSA, OK – Congressman Kevin Hern today announced his campaign to represent Oklahoma in the United States Senate. Hern is seeking the full-term seat that is being left vacant due to the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin by President Trump to serve as DHS Secretary.
Hern starts his campaign in a strong financial position with over $7 million on hand, demonstrating early strength in his race for U.S. Senate. A successful business owner and conservative leader, Hern has served Oklahoma’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2018 and currently serves in House GOP leadership as Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee. Hern is a leading voice in support of President Trump’s policy agenda, helping drive conservative legislative wins in Congress.
“President Trump’s America First Agenda and our nation are under attack by the Radical Left and RINO Republicans”, said Hern. “Now more than ever, Oklahomans need to know they have a strong conservative leader in Washington who will stand up for their values and support our great President. I will continue fighting for secure borders, lowering the cost of living for families, supporting our law enforcement and military, and putting Oklahomans first. That’s why I’m running for United States Senate.”
The Hern campaign also announced today that Hern’s longtime pollster Tony Fabrizio will serve as Senior Advisor to the campaign. Fabrizio is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading GOP pollsters and strategists. Most notably, Fabrizio has served as the leading pollster for President Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2024 campaigns.
“Kevin Hern is in a strong position to be Oklahoma’s next U.S. Senator,” said Fabrizio. “His record of support for President Trump’s agenda, the trust he has built with Oklahoma voters, and his experience in public service and in business have prepared him for this key role. During this important time for our nation, President Trump and Oklahomans need an ally in the U.S. Senate. That is why I am eager to support Kevin Hern in this race."
Watch Kevin’s Video Launch Here:
Multiple Pro-Trump, conservative U.S. Senators voiced their support early on for Hern to enter the race:
Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN): “Kevin Hern is a strong, pro-Trump conservative who will make a great US Senator.”
Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN): “Kevin Hern is a good friend, strong conservative and business leader who will be a great US Senator. Kevin will be an ally on the Trump agenda.”
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI): “With Sen. Mullin taking on the challenge of DHS, Oklahoma is fortunate to have Kevin Hern, a proven conservative, available to take his place in the U.S. Senate.”
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL): “Kevin Hern is a strong conservative leader who has consistently fought for President Trump’s America-First agenda. Kevin would be a great addition to the Senate and has my support should he decide to run.”
Oklahoma Legislature Passes Resolution Urging Congress to Advance Constitutional Amendment on Election Spending
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (March 3, 2026) – Amid a surge in outside spending nationwide ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, the Oklahoma legislature has passed a resolution (House Concurrent Resolution 1006) urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment restoring the authority of Congress and the states to regulate election spending. Oklahoma is the 24th state to take this step.
Earlier this month, the Oklahoma Senate approved the measure unanimously, following unanimous approval in the Oklahoma House of Representatives last year—sending a strong, bipartisan signal that lawmakers want election decisions returned to the states and their elected representatives.
With the news that President Donald Trump is tapping U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to be the new Department of Homeland Security secretary, the 2026 Oklahoma election cycle has been thrown into another round of chaos.
Assuming Mullin's almost-certain confirmation, that will necessitate an interim appointment by Gov. Kevin Stitt to fill out the remainder of Mullin's Senate term (through January 2027). By Oklahoma statute, a temporary appointee pledges to not run for the full-term position. Thus, the appointee will be a lame-duck placeholder, while a fresh slate of candidates will compete for the full 6-year Senate term in the November 2026 election.
Lankford Applauds Nomination of Johnny Teehee III to be US Marshal for the Eastern District of Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued the following statement of support for President Trump’s nomination of Johnny Teehee III to serve as United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
Medicaid expansion follies show need for initiative-petition reform
By Jonathan Small
In 2020, Medicaid expansion was approved by the narrowest of margins through a ballot measure placed before voters via the initiative-petition process. The proposal added hundreds of thousands of able-bodied adults to the welfare program and put taxpayers on the hook for paying the medical bills of numerous adults who were capable of gainful employment but not pursuing it.
The measure was strongly rejected by election-day voters and majorities in roughly 90 percent of counties. It passed only because of absentee votes. Yet today, Oklahoma faces a reported Medicaid shortfall of roughly a half-billion dollars that is due largely to the expansion. Every dollar going to expansion takes money away from schools, roads, public safety, or tax relief for working families.
The debacle of Medicaid expansion shows why initiative-petition reform is needed. Unfortunately, it has been relatively easy for out-of-state special interests to pour money into Oklahoma to promote badly designed and counterproductive measures that create serious long-term challenges for our state.
Eaves Bill on County Marijuana Impact Tax Moves Forward
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, passed a bill this week that would give counties the option to impose a local public service impact tax on retail marijuana sales.
House Bill 3314 would authorize counties to impose up to a 15% public service impact tax on retail marijuana sales within county limits. The bill does not automatically create a tax. If a county chooses to pursue one, it must first be approved by a majority of county voters at a special election. The bill also exempts marijuana grown on private property by individuals that is not sold.
Shaw Bill on Foreign Land Ownership Advances from Committee
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, secured committee passage of a bill that would add criminal penalties to Oklahoma’s existing prohibitions on hostile foreign ownership of land.
While state law already restricts certain foreign ownership of property, Shaw said current statutes lack meaningful criminal enforcement mechanisms. House Bill 1453 would close that gap by making violations a felony offense.
HB1453 would prohibit foreign governments, entities and businesses linked to countries subject to U.S. arms regulations, as well as entities of particular concern designated by the U.S. Department of State, from acquiring real property or agricultural land in Oklahoma.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei is out with a new TV ad discussing his past car crash injury and what drives him to run for Governor:
MIKE MAZZEI TURNS TRAGEDY INTO TRIUMPH IN NEW MEDIA CAMPAIGN
Tulsa, OK (February 23, 2026) — Mike Mazzei, Republican candidate for Oklahoma Governor, is launching a new campaign ad across TV and streaming platforms statewide. In the ad, Mazzei shares details of his tough journey to regain his strength after a near-fatal car crash.
“Oklahoma’s state motto is Work Conquers All Things. I am living proof of that,” Mike Mazzei said. “My recovery was slow and difficult, often painful, but I never stopped working and moving forward. I wasn’t about to let a little thing like a broken back and 30 surgeries hold me down.”
Here's the 2026 installment of my long-running Voter Registration Maps series. As you can see, there is no blue on the map; the Republican Party has held leads in all 77 counties since March of 2024, the culmination of a decades-long trend, when Coal County became the final one to flip.
Multi-County Grand Jury indicts man in fake Ryan Walters letter scheme
OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 13, 2026) – The Multi-County Grand Jury indicted a Massachusetts man this week for falsely impersonating former State Superintendent Ryan Walters.
According to the indictment, Owen Thomas Cunningham, 48, sent letters in August 2024 to school superintendents across Oklahoma. The letter directed school officials to distribute documents to students. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation after Walters confirmed he did not authorize or send the letters.
Hamilton Bill to Prohibit Underage Marriage Clears Judiciary Committee
OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 11th) – The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved legislation by Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, to prohibit marriage under the age of 18 in the State of Oklahoma. Senate Bill 504 eliminates current provisions in state law that allow 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent.
“Though nearing adulthood, the fact remains that these are minors who are vulnerable and need legal protections from those who seek to prey upon them,” Hamilton said. “By raising the legal age for marriage, we are closing dangerous loopholes and ensuring more children can grow up safely, without risk of coercion.”
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Wednesday passed a bill in the Public Health Committee that would allow ivermectin suitable for human use to be sold over-the-counter in pharmacies.
House Bill 4124 would permit a pharmacist to supply ivermectin to a person without requiring a prescription from a health care professional. Notwithstanding any other law, a pharmacy would not be criminally or civilly liable for supplying ivermectin.
We have officially entered the "I will name something after President Trump in order to more shamelessly pander for his endorsement than my opponents" phase of the 2026 Republican primary for Governor...
Chip Keating Announces Plan to Launch the Trump National Laboratory for Energy and National Security
OKLAHOMA CITY (February 19th) - Chip Keating today announced a cornerstone initiative of his administration: the creation of the Oklahoma headquartered Trump National Laboratory for Energy and National Security.
Keating unveiled the proposal as part of a broader vision to secure Oklahoma's long-term economic leadership, strengthen national security, and ensure companies built in Oklahoma continue to grow and remain in the state.
Proponents of adding able-bodied adults, including many working-age men, to Oklahoma’s Medicaid program promised it would solve virtually all the state’s health-care woes. Rural hospitals would suddenly be lavishly funded. State government would be flush with cash. Health outcomes would improve on a skyrocketing trajectory.
Obviously, none of those things has happened despite expansion having been in place for five years now.
Instead, officials with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), which administers Medicaid, have requested an additional state appropriation of nearly $500 million this year, due in part to surging costs related to the expansion population.
Rather than create a windfall of free-flowing federal cash as expansion supporters promised, Medicaid expansion is creating major budget challenges.
The latest press release from former House Speaker Charles McCall, one of the Republican candidates for Governor:
One-Fourth of Oklahoma Sheriffs Endorse Charles McCall for Governor
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (February 18, 2026) – Charles McCall’s campaign for Governor today announced the endorsement of 20 county sheriffs from across Oklahoma, representing more than one-fourth of all 77 sheriffs statewide. The growing coalition of law enforcement leaders underscores McCall’s proven record of standing strong for public safety, law and order, and the men and women who wear the badge.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of these dedicated sheriffs who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said McCall. “As Governor, I will Make Oklahoma Strong by being tough on crime, fighting illegal immigration, cracking down on the cartels that push drugs into our state, and ensuring law enforcement has the tools and resources they need to do their jobs.”
Oklahoma Abolition Bill Gains Historic Support After Capitol Rally
OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 17th) – Support for the total abolition of abortion reached historic levels Monday as hundreds of abolitionists gathered at the capitol for the annual Abolition Day rally. Following the rally, House Bill 3038 surged to 25 authors and co-authors, more than tripling the support of any previous abolition measure in Oklahoma history, and surpassing any of the abolition bills that have been introduced in 27 different states.
HB3038, introduced by Rep. Gabe Woolley and Sen. Warren Hamilton, would extend the equal protection of the law to children in the womb–as guaranteed in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution–and close the loopholes in Oklahoma law that permit self-managed abortion, making it illegal for anyone to intentionally kill an unborn child.
On Monday, hundreds of Christians from across the state will gather at the Oklahoma State Capitol to call on the Legislature to finally abolish abortion in Oklahoma, stopping this wicked travesty in our state bringing an end to the unjust and evil slaughter of preborn Oklahomans that is still permitted by law.
10am: Rally on the south steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol (map link)
11am: Lobbying and Hymn Singing
Lunch
2pm: Activism in OKC
6pm-8:30pm: Conference at Edmond’s First Baptist Church (map link)
Speakers at the 10am Capitol rally include pastors Blake Gideon (First Baptist Edmond), Brett Baggett (Ekklesia Muskogee), and Chris Gore (First Baptist Beggs), T. Russell Hunter, State Senators Dusty Deevers and Warren Hamilton, and more. More speakers will be at the 6pm mini-conference held at Edmond's First Baptist Church.
Abolition bill authors and coauthors
The 2026 abolition bill, HB 3038, is authored by State Rep. Gabe Woolley and State Sen. Warren Hamilton, and has received a record number of coauthors so far (15 including the House and Senate author): Representatives David Hardin, Derrick Hildebrant, Jim Olsen, Tim Turner, Chris Sneed, and Justin Humphrey, and Senators Dusty Deevers, Avery Frix, Julie McIntosh, Tom Woods, Dana Prieto, Shane Jett, and Bryan Logan.
Lord willing, I'll be there along with a group from my church. Join us at the State Capitol on Monday morning, and let's join in together in calling our legislators to do the right thing!
Deevers’ Free to Hunt Feral Hogs Bill Passes Committee
OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 9th) - The Oklahoma Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee approved Senate Bill 2108 on Monday. The bill, authored by Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, would repeal burdensome licensing requirements related to the hunting of feral hogs, streamlining and simplifying the process.
Feral hogs destroy crops, kill livestock, spread disease, degrade pastureland, harm water quality, damage property, threaten the lives of children, and cost Oklahomans over $100 million annually, according to estimates from the Farm Bureau. Currently, Oklahomans must navigate permits and regulations from up to four state agencies to hunt feral hogs.
Voters in Muskogee charted a new course yesterday, with the election perhaps the most "outsider" mayor since John Tyler Hammons in 2008.
Don't think your vote matters? Ryan Lowe defeated former city councilor James Gulley in the mayoral race by a mere 11 votes out of 3,823 cast: he won with 1,917 votes (50.14%) to Gulley's 1,906 votes (49.86%).
Common Cents Act takes on penny problems, advances in House
OKLAHOMA CITY (February 4th) — Legislation that would allow and later require certain public cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel has passed a House policy committee and now moves to an oversight committee.
Authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, House Bill 3075, formally titled the Oklahoma Common Cents Act, would not apply to the private sector and would apply only to public payments made in cash or the portion paid in cash. The measure does not apply to checks, debit cards, credit cards, electronic payments or other digital transactions.
"This is a simple, practical bill that modernizes how we handle cash payments without impacting anyone who pays digitally," Hildebrant said. "HB3075 is limited to public cash transactions only. If you’re paying online or with a card, nothing changes."
Kevin Warnemuende Announces Candidacy for Oklahoma House District 47
Mustang, OK (Jan. 23rd) – Kevin Warnemuende, a successful local engineer, devoted husband and father, constitutional educator, announces his candidacy for Oklahoma House District 47.
Warnemuende, a Mustang resident since 1999, said his decision to run was driven not by political ambition, but by frustration at politicians talking the talk, but not enacting the solutions that work for Oklahomans.
Lankford Releases Ninth Edition of Federal Fumbles
Report details billions in wasteful spending, fraud, and government inefficiencies while outlining solutions to restore accountability for taxpayers
WASHINGTON, DC (February 2nd) — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released his ninth edition of Federal Fumbles today, revealing billions of dollars lost to wasteful spending, inefficiencies, fraud, and improper payments. The report details eyebrow-raising research grants, weak oversight of taxpayer funds sent overseas, systemic failures in food assistance programs, and the staggering cost of government shutdowns, while offering specific policy solutions to prevent these failures from continuing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (againstconservative 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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
