Early Voting times adjusted this week due to Independence Day holiday

I have been swamped lately, but for readers in the City of Muskogee, we have a sales tax election coming up on Tuesday. I hope to get a post out on the particulars of the municipal proposition, but if you're one of those who votes through in-person Early Voting, those times have been moved to Wednesday and Thursday due to the Independence Day holiday:

Early Voting Begins Tomorrow!

Oklahoma City (July 1st) - Early voting begins tomorrow for some voters in Creek, Muskogee, Osage, and Seminole County. Due to early voting for the July 8 Election coinciding with the July 4th holiday, the Secretary of the State Election Board - as authorized by 26 O.S. § 1-106 -  has moved early voting for the July 8 Election to Wednesday, July 2 and Thursday, July 3 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.) . A list of early voting locations, dates, and times is available on the State Election Board website.

3 new Oklahoma State House members sworn into office

As a result of three recent special elections, the Oklahoma State House is back to full membership. One Republican and two Democrats were sworn in today, bringing the partisan makeup of the 101-seat lower chamber to 81 Republicans and 20 Democrats.

New House Members Sworn Into Office

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 18th) – Newly-elected Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, took his oath of office in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wed., June 18. He won a special general election earlier this month to represent House District 74 in Rogers and Tulsa counties.

"Today has been an incredible day, and I’m deeply honored to represent the people of House District 74," Norwood said. "Serving my local community is a responsibility I take seriously. I truly love Oklahoma, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to make our state an even better place to live. I look forward to showing up every day and working hard to help our community thrive."

Originally from Muskogee, Norwood has lived in Owasso since 1994, where he works as a youth minister. He holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Southwestern Christian University and a master's degree in applied theology from Oral Roberts University. He earned his doctorate in leadership and global perspectives from Portland Seminary at George Fox University. Norwood and his wife, Ann, have two children.

"Rep. Norwood has spent decades serving his community in ministry and today he takes on an additional role giving back to the people of his community. He is a great addition to the House of Representatives and I look forward to serving with him," said Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "It is great to have our full 101 House members seated, ready to do the people’s business throughout the interim and into the 2026 legislative session."

He was sworn in by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Dustin Rowe along with Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City.

Following Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony, the Oklahoma House is now comprised of 81 Republicans and 20 Democrats.

Clinton, Timmons sworn into Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 18th) – Representatives-Elect Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, and Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City, were sworn into the Oklahoma House of Representatives after winning their Special Elections to fill House District 71 and House District 97 respectively.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Rep. Amanda Clinton and Rep. Aletia Timmons to the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “The House Democratic Caucus remains committed to improving the lives of working Oklahomans, ensuring they have quality, free public education, and the accessible, affordable healthcare they deserve. I know they will work to help accomplish these goals and diligently serve Oklahomans and guarantee their district’s best interests. I’m looking forward to standing alongside these two powerful women to serve all Oklahomans.”

Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, HD 71: "I grew up on a farm at the end of a dirt road in the Cherokee Nation, just about as far from the state legislature as you can get. My three sisters and I were raised by my dad, a general contractor, and my mom, a public school teacher of 53 years. Hard work is all I know, so earning this seat with 85 percent of the vote has been incredible. I'm deeply grateful to the voters, my family, friends, and the communities who helped me get here," Clinton said. "I'm also honored to be the fourth consecutive woman and the third Native woman to serve this district. For more than 20 years, I've worked in Tribal governments that are committed to providing health care, education, housing and pathways to a career. I know what's possible when governments invest in people because I've helped build those governments. Voters in HD 71 sent a clear message that it's time for Oklahoma to do the same, and I promise to be a strong, outspoken voice in that effort."

Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City, HD 97: “I am humbled and honored to be elected by the people of House District 97 to serve as their State Representative,” Timmons said. “Fired up, ready to go!”

During the 2024 election cycle, Oklahoma House Democrats retained all of their seats, and with these two members filling vacancies, now have 20 members in the caucus. They will be up for re-election in November 2026.

Governor Stitt celebrates legislative session policy wins, including tax cut

Governor Stitt Celebrates Session Wins

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 30, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt celebrated a successful end to the legislative session. He signed multiple policy priorities into law, including a quarter point personal income tax reduction and a plan to eliminate the income tax for all Oklahomans. He signed business-friendly priorities including “Behind-the-Meter” and business courts. He also signed legislation that will ensure Oklahoma students are receiving the education that best prepares them for the future workforce.

Gann warns on unprecedented 'bonus' vote taken by House, dangers of setting new policy

Rep.-Tom Gann Issues Statement on Bonus Vote of SB224 and Warns of the Dangers of Setting New Policy

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 2nd) – Representative Tom Gann (R-Inola) released the following statement on the unprecedented bonus vote taken by the House on Thursday on Senate Bill 224. 

"On Thursday, May 1, 2025, Representative Kyle Hilbert, Speaker of the House, took actions regarding SB224 that did not align with the House Rules of the 60th Legislature. House rules dictate that once a bill is defeated it is not eligible for additional consideration. The House vote to defeat SB224 was considered final action under the rules."

"However, Hilbert, while presiding over the house allowed an additional bonus vote to occur by which the bill was approved. This breaks with years of clearly established House precedent that prevents never ending bonus votes on failed legislation and opens up a Pandoras box of potential abuse. 

What other bills will be allowed a bonus vote?

Coleman bill to create recall elections process clears State Senate

If Sen. Coleman and his House author follow through on what he says here, it will be an improvement over his initial version of the bill, which was much more of a fox-guarding-the-hen-house affair (though, I'm not convinced Oklahoma needs this).

Coleman bill to create recall elections process clears Oklahoma Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 28th) – The Senate has approved legislation from Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, to create a recall process for state elected officials to be removed from office. 

Before the legislation passed 31 to 15, Coleman vowed to make major changes to the bill in the coming weeks.

Senate Bill 990 currently establishes a process for the Oklahoma Legislature to initiate the recall of a statewide elected officer through a joint resolution, but Coleman said he plans to scrap that portion of the bill. He added that he wants to alter the bill so the recall process would be driven entirely by members of the public through an initiative petition. 

Norwood endorsed in HD74 GOP primary by 100+ Christian leaders

This Tuesday includes elections in three state legislative seats - House Districts 71 and 74 and Senate District 8. Below is an announcement from HD74 Republican candidate Kevin Norwood.

Norwood is one of five Republican candidates running, including 'World of Weed' dispensary owner Brand Peixotto (aka "The Cannabis King" according to his self-published books on the topic), Sheila Vancuren (wife of the representative who resigned, forcing the special election), Maggie Stearman (26 year-old mother of two, daughter-in-law of former conservative Rep. Wendi Stearman), and Marine vet and nonprofit leader Johnathon Shepherd.

Peixotto and Vancuren have the definite money edge ("Cannabis King" Peixotto loaned his campaign $60k), so conservatives will need to consolidate behind a candidate (Norwood or Stearman) in order to make it into the runoff. I'd go with Norwood.

Over 100 Faith & Youth Leaders From Around the State Announce Support of Dr. Kevin Norwood, Candidate for State Representative District 74

Owasso, OK - Dr. Kevin Norwood announced significant endorsements in support of his campaign, adding 100 Faith & Youth and Community Leaders who serve our local communities and serve around the state. Many have worked with Kevin in his ministry, leader mentorship programs, or community and youth mentorship outreaches. Several shared their own “Kevin Norwood story” of how he has truly transformed lives with his mentorship throughout the campaign.

Dr. Kevin Norwood files for House District 74 special election

Community Leader & Longtime Youth Outreach Minister Dr. Kevin Norwood files for Open House District 74 seat

Owasso, OK (Feb. 3rd) - Republican Dr. Kevin Norwood filed his candidacy papers to serve Oklahomans living in House District 74, a region which includes Tulsa County, portions of Rogers County and the entire City of Owasso. The Republican special primary election will take place on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 

Sen. Deevers introduces 6 bills to 'Make Oklahoma Healthy Again'

Deevers Introduces the Six-Bill Make Oklahoma Healthy Again Agenda

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, announced on Thursday the filing of six bills to Make Oklahoma Healthy Again. In tandem with the MAHA agenda of President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Deevers introduced SB943, SB702, SB771, SB801, SB941, and SJR8.

“The MAHA agenda is one of the most positive developments in American politics and has a clear mandate from the voters,” Deevers said. “These bills aim to improve the health of Oklahomans by increasing quality, transparency, accountability, decentralization, and freedom in health and medical care.”

Oklahoma Legislature sets record for new bills filed in advance of legislative session

As I cover at the bottom of this post, the Legislature has set another record for the amount of legislation filed at the beginning of a legislative session:

House Completes Bill Filing for 2025 Session

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 17th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives completed bill filing Thursday, Jan. 16, for the first regular session of the 60th Legislature. A total of 1,928 House Bills, 29 House Joint Resolutions, three House Resolutions, and two House Concurrent Resolutions were filed before the deadline. 

Rep. Woolley files bill for DHS accountability, protecting families and upholding due process

New Bill Calls for DHS Accountability to Protect Families and Uphold Due Process

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 13th) — Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, has introduced House Bill 1100, a legislative measure aimed at ensuring accountability within the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). The bill would require clear and convincing evidence to keep a child away from their parent or guardian. HB1100 would also impose felony kidnapping charges on the DHS employee who is responsible for approving the continued holding or release of a child for noncompliance.

“Due process appears to be an idea that has gone out the window in many cases here in Oklahoma,” said Woolley. “House Bill 1100 ensures the government is not above the law and requires concrete evidence of a crime or misconduct before the Department of Human Services can keep a child away from their family.”

State Rep. Amanda Swope resigns mere weeks before legislative session

Oh, look... a second state legislator to resign in the weeks after winning reelection. Here comes another special election in 2025; that will make for at least three in the first half of the year (two house, one senate). State Rep. Amanda Swope (D-Tulsa) makes it a bipartisan affair, leaving to take a position with new Tulsa mayor and former State Rep. Monroe Nichols:

Swope announces departure from legislature, outlines future plans to continue serving Tulsa

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 13th) – Oklahoma House Rep. Amanda Swope, D-Tulsa, announced her final day in the Oklahoma Legislature will be January 28, 2025. Swope will start work as the Director of Tribal Policy & Partnership in the administration of Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols.

Oklahoma Legislature formally elects new 2025-2026 leadership

Earlier this week, the Oklahoma Legislature met for the constitutionally-required Organizational Day, where both legislative chambers formally elected their leadership and passed the rules package by which their respective bodies will operate for the next term.

Rep. Gann proposes sweeping transparency reforms for State House

Gann Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Restore Transparency to House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 30th) – In a far-reaching, and transformative effort to modernize the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, has sponsored a reform package – House Resolution 1001 – designed to distribute power, promote transparency and reinvigorate the legislative process. His reforms aim to end the culture of opacity and concentration of authority that he says has hindered the chamber's effectiveness for far too long.

“The time has come to ensure the House of Representatives becomes an institution of laws, not of one man,” Gann said. “For years, our legislative process has stagnated, with decisions made behind closed doors and power centralized into the hands of one individual, the House speaker, who is elected by a single House district and not the people of Oklahoma as a whole. In recent years, at best, the House has simply marked time, failing to embrace new transparency measures. At worst, it has regressed, relying on secretive processes controlled by a single person.”

State Rep. Vancuren resigns mere weeks after winning reelection

You know what's super annoying to me? State legislators who resign mere weeks after winning reelection. Taxpayers literally just spent thousands of dollars on the election that Rep. Vancuren just won, and now are on the hook again for a special election.

Vancuren Announces Resignation From House After Six Years of Service

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso, announced today that he will resign from the House District 74 seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, effective January 1, 2025, after six years of dedicated service to the state. Elected in 2018, Vancuren served as the vice chair of the House Common Education Committee for the duration of his tenure and played an instrumental role in shaping legislative outcomes in education, fiscal policy and transparency.

Sen. Coleman plans to file bill to establish recall election process (sort of)

Wait. Coleman's idea of a recall election is having the Legislature put specific recalls on the ballot, instead of citizen-initiated means? Isn't that just the fox guarding the hen-house? I mean, if we're going to have recalls, shouldn't it be done by the party that puts the elected officials into office, rather than the party who is subject to a recall?

Coleman to file bill to establish recall process for state elected officials

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 12th) – Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, has requested legislation to ensure state elected officials remain accountable to Oklahoma voters.

Coleman said he intends to file legislation to amend Oklahoma’s Constitution to allow for recall elections of state elected officials.

Coleman said he is working with Senate staff to draft legislation that would allow the Oklahoma Legislature to refer recall propositions to the ballot so voters can decide whether to remove or retain a specific state official. Because the legislation would alter the state’s Constitution, it would have to pass both legislative chambers and then be approved by Oklahoma voters to become effective.

House Speaker-Elect announces new government efficiency portal

Speaker-Elect Announces New Government Efficiency Portal

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 10th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today added to its transparency portal a government efficiency survey intended to root out duplication of services, waste and inefficiencies in state government. 

This initiative piggybacks on the federal effort to eliminate government waste through the newly-created federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

"We will work hand-in-hand with President-Elect Trump and our federal delegation on broader efforts to make government more efficient with DOGE," said House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "We want to ensure our state government is working as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. As lawmakers, we want the assistance of Oklahomans who have first-hand experience with duplicative and wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars."