Former Rep. George Faught files for re-election to HD14

FAUGHT FILES FOR RE-ELECTION TO HOUSE DISTRICT 14

MUSKOGEE (April 9, 2020)  –  Muskogee small businessman and former state representative George Faught has announced that he has filed for re-election to the State House District 14 seat. Faught previously held the seat from 2006 to 2012 and 2014 to 2018. District 14 is made up of eastern Muskogee County and western Cherokee County, taking in half of the city of Muskogee, and the towns of Fort Gibson, Braggs, Webbers Falls and portions of Hulbert.

“As Oklahoma faces this unprecedented crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must have experienced policy makers at the capitol to help us navigate the rough waters we find ourselves in. More than 75% of the legislators currently serving in the State House have less than 4 years of experience, and those years had high revenues with an excess of cash to spend,” said Faught. “Having previously served through both good times and bad, especially during the last prolonged national recession, I have a proven track record of making those important and often extremely difficult decisions.”

“With businesses shut down across the state for who knows how long, there will definitely be a sharp drop in the revenues which fund our core services. Decisions made this next term will determine the futures of our children and grandchildren. With the right experienced leadership and our resilient Oklahoma Spirit we will weather the storm and come back stronger than ever,” continued Faught.

While in office, Faught served 8 years on the Administrative Rules and Government Oversight committee which reviews and approves rules and policies that affect how our state agencies, boards and commissions operate. Six of those years he served as committee Chairman. During his tenure he also served as Vice-Chair of the Economic Development and Financial Services committee and Assistant Majority Floor Leader.

Faught has been married to his wife, Becky for 37 years and they have three grown children and four grandchildren. As owner of Clean Pro, a Muskogee-based carpet and tile cleaning business that specializes in water damage restoration, Faught has served thousands of customers in surrounding communities for the past 33 years.

Rep. Faught: "Role reversal at the State Capitol"

From State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee) on Facebook:

This session, we have seen a role reversal here at the State Capitol. Republicans from the Governor on down have proposed new and higher taxes, ultimately passed on to the citizens of this State, while the Democrats are opposing these increased taxes merely for political posturing. There are some of us who have been against these new revenue measures from the beginning of session. We have not been obstructionists, but delivered our fiscal policies to our leadership to avoid these new taxes. We have won some battles by keeping even worse ideas from coming forward, and we have lost other battles. The goal is to continue to grow those who are committed to sound policies that we as Republicans should adhere and to remain an effective voice. I am reminded of what the late Labor Commissioner Mark Costello always reminded me: "A fee is nothing more than a tax by another name".

Today is the next-to-last day of this year's legislative session. This week, I've been wearing a red tie to symbolize my continued opposition to raising taxes on Oklahoma workers and businesses, my objection to unconstitutionally raising taxes in the final week of session, my intent to uphold the wishes of Oklahoma voters, who just six months ago overwhelmingly rejected higher taxes, and to express my support of the Republican platform principles of limited government and lower taxes.

We can and must do better.

SoonerPolitics.org reports that, like Rep. Faught, some of the other conservative members of the legislature have been wearing red ties to demonstrate their solidarity with Republican platform principles. David Van Risseghem, editor of SoonerPolitics, called it the 'Red Tie Brigade of Conservatism'.

Rep. Faught: Tax hike is not the answer

Tax hike is not the answer

by State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee)

It seems like everywhere I go someone is talking about taxes. It’s impossible to watch TV without seeing a commercial about filing your personal income taxes. When I drive around town there are an abundance of yard signs advertising tax preparation services. Some signs actually list how much money you should get back on an “earned income credit” per child, even if you do not have any earned income.

The vast majority of state funding comes from taxes in one form or another. Income tax, sales tax, licensure fees, ad valorem, property, gross production... the list of the different taxes payed by our citizens or businesses in Oklahoma seems endless.

In her State of the State address earlier this month, Governor Fallin presented a plan that would add sales tax to 164 different categories of services provided by Oklahoma small businesses and entrepreneurs. By the Governor’s own estimate, this would result in a tax hike of over $1.7 Billion. That comes to approximately $433 per year for every man, woman and child in Oklahoma. Can you afford that?

Consider this: new taxes will be levied on haircuts, cable TV, dental cleaning and visits to the doctor, lawn mowing, oil changes, internet, manicures, real estate transactions, house remodeling, plumbing and electrical repairs, utility services (water, gas, electric), trash pick-up, pet grooming, daycare, funeral services… and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

A new tax on services will impact everyone, and it will cause significant damage to the small businesses across Oklahoma that form the backbone of our economy.

I’ve owned a carpet cleaning and restoration company for almost 30 years. Like many service businesses, our work is performed on location at customers’ homes or businesses, rather than out of a storefront. My company has current customers in at least 71 different sales tax jurisdictions.

If the Governor’s plan were to be enacted, our technicians would need to determine precisely which tax rate to apply on each job, depending on whether the customer was located inside or outside the city limits and on which county they were in. To complicate matters, the technician would also need to know if the individual or organization is tax-exempt.

Then comes the reporting period where each community and county tax must be calculated and submitted, in addition to the state’s share. The sheer volume of paperwork, logistics and headaches this would add to small businesses would be a tremendous burden, and would cause them to not expand, not hire additional employees, or possibly even close their doors, resulting in a loss of jobs in every community.

This new tax may solve one temporary problem, but it creates a bigger, permanent issue in the process. Rather than helping Oklahoma’s economy, this proposal adds to the workload, costs consumers more, and creates more roadblocks to success. Revenue sources must be found in order to meet our state budget commitments, but this can be done by targeting the burgeoning list of corporate tax credits and subsidies, by addressing excessive salaries of government administrators, and identifying waste and duplication in our agencies. Tough times call for tough measures, but a historic tax hike during an economic recovery is not the right move.

MuskogeePolitico series: Read more stories about Fallin's tax hike proposal

Muskogee County: trouble for Democrats, optimism for GOP

While Muskogee County tilts heavily Democratic in voter registration, campaign finance records show the local Democratic Party and their legislative candidates in deep trouble, while the Republican Party is on solid ground and set to make big gains.

As of April 2016, Democrats beat Republicans in Muskogee County voter registration 58.17%  to 28.98% -- a difference of 29.19%. While still a big lead, that's a far cry from 2006, when Democrats comprised 67.4% and Republicans were at 22.26% -- a difference of 45.14%. The Democratic decline has been less steep in Muskogee County than, say, Bryan County, but it's very real nonetheless.

In 2006, Republicans won House District 14 for the first time ever, and in 2014 Republicans won their first-ever County Commission seat. This election could set records for the Muskogee County Republicans. Let's look at some campaign finance figures.

House District 14 - Republican-held since 2006 (map)
Rep. George Faught (R) has raised $14,850.00 this cycle, and has $46,009.10 on hand. His Democratic challenger Lee Ann Langston has raised just $1,200.00 and has a pitiful $550.00 on hand.

House District 13 - open Democrat-held seat (map)
Victorious in a three-way primary, Republican Avery Frix has raised a total of $55,858.16 so far, and has $10,656.55 on hand. Democrat candidate Wayne Herriman raised $10,415.00 and has $5,000.21 on hand. Republicans held this seat from 2000 to 2004, but until this election failed to field any more serious candidates.

Senate District 9 - open Democratic-held seat (map)
Winner of a competitive primary contest, Republican Dewayne Pemberton has raised $38,255.00 and has $11,116.92 on hand. Meanwhile, Democrat Jack Reavis has raised $12,632.34 and has a mere $849.87 on hand. To my knowledge, no Republican has ever held this seat.

Looking at County Party structure is even more dramatic. The Muskogee County Republican Party raised $17,746.00 from January 1st through June 30th, and has $23,266.32 cash-on-hand with which to assist their candidates and promote the party. The Muskogee County Democratic Party hasn't filed an ethics report since July 2015, but at that point they had only raised $357.06 on the year and had $488.51 in the bank.

This is looking to be a great year for the Muskogee County Republicans.

Faught endorses Pemberton in SD9, Stevens in HD13

In the race for House District 13 (map), State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee) has endorsed Al Stevens in the Republican primary:

"It is my privilege to endorse Al Stevens for State Representative for House District 13. I have known Al for many years in both a personal and professional level. Al has vast business experience working in the community through his employment with OG&E and his years of service on numerous boards and committees in our local community. Al brings both the experience and common sense ideas that are needed in promoting economic development and accountability to our state government. He and his wife of more than 43 years, Sandy, a former public school teacher, create a great partnership and will serve this community well. Join with me and support a qualified leader - Al Stevens for State Representative in House District 13."

Stevens is facing off against Republicans Avery Frix and Leah Todd in the primary on Tuesday. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Wayne Herriman in the general election. The seat is currently held by Rep. Jerry McPeak (D-Warner), who is term-limited.

In the race for Senate District 9 (map), State Rep. George Faught has endorsed Dewayne Pemberton in the Republican primary:

"It is an honor for me to endorse Dewayne Pemberton for State Senate District 9. Dewayne has unique qualifications that make him the right choice to be your next Senator. With more than 30 years experience in Education as a former teacher, coach and high school administrator, Dewayne knows what needs to be done to help our schools succeed. Our next Senator needs to have the life experience and wisdom that comes with age, along with the proven conservative background to solve the many tough decisions facing Oklahoma. Dewayne will fight for the values of traditional marriage and protecting the unborn and he will be a champion of Education. He understands the role of government and will work to unleash the free enterprise system to create quality jobs and a prosperous economy. It is without hesitation that today I ask you to join me in electing Dewayne Pemberton as our next State Senator."

Pemberton is aiming to beat John Tyler Hammons in the GOP primary. The Republican nominee will face whichever of the three Democrat candidates emerge from their primary: Stephen Highers, Jack Reavis, or John Uzzo. This seat is currently held by Sen. Earl Garrison (D-Muskogee), who is also term-limited.

Bob Coburn, Arthur Hulbert endorse Hammons for SD9

John Tyler Hammons, former mayor of Muskogee and a Republican candidate for Senate District 9, has released endorsements from Muskogee Mayor Bob Coburn and former HD14 representative Arthur Hulbert.

Bob Coburn:

"John Tyler Hammons and I were competitors but then we became friends. We've worked together to improve our community. It's a testament to his faith, his character, and his ability to work together to bring about positive change. He's a hard worker, diligent, and smart. I am pleased to endorse John Tyler Hammons to be our next State Senator.




Arthur Hulbert: 

"John Tyler Hammons is a conservative Christian who shares our values and who works hard to defend them. He's the kind of young leader who does what is right even when nobody is looking. I got to know him when I was State Representative and I am pleased to endorse him to be our next State Senator."



Hammons is facing Dewayne Pemberton in the June 28th Republican primary for Senate District 9. Pemberton recently retired from a 36-year career in public education, which included being principal at both Hilldale High School and Muskogee High School.

Senate District 9 covers north and east portions of Muskogee County (excluding the Fort Gibson area) and southeast and central portions of Cherokee County. The heavily-Democratic seat is currently held by Earl Garrison (D-Muskogee), who is term-limited. Two Democrats are running - Tahlequah city councilor Stephen Highers and former HD14 candidate Jack Reavis.

Big night for Muskogee County GOP

Not only was tonight's election a big night for the OKGOP, it was a huge night for the Muskogee County GOP.

In House District 14, George Faught defeated Jack Reavis 4,469 votes (56.8%) to 3,399 (43.2%) -- the biggest margin achieved by a Republican in that district. In 2006, Faught became the first Republican to win HD14, holding it for three terms, and Republican Arthur Hulbert held the seat this past term.

In the race for District 1 County Commissioner, Ken Doke defeated Speck Plunkett 3,375 votes (53.0%) to 2,992 (47.0%). As far as is know, Doke becomes the first Republican to hold a seat on the county commission.

State Senator Kim David easily retained SD18, with 68.7% district-wide and 62.3% in the Muskogee County portion of the district.

Roger Thompson took SD8 from the Democrats, with 55.9% district-wide, and 53.9% in the Muskogee County portion.

Statewide Republican candidates had a mixed bag in Muskogee County. Mary Fallin got 47.6% to Joe Dorman's 49.1%, Todd Lamb took 60.5%, Joy Hofmeister received 44.0%, Mark Costello eeked out 50.1%, Jim Inhofe got 60.3%, James Lankford took 59.9%, and Markwayne Mullin received 64.4%.

Sandy Garrett joins education leaders endorsing Faught for State House

Faught endorsed by Sandy Garrett, other educators

Muskogee, OK –  George Faught, candidate for State House District 14, today announced that he has been endorsed by several prominent state and local educators, including former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sandy Garrett.

"As former State Superintendent and a teacher, I had the opportunity to work with many leaders across this State. George Faught is one of those leaders who works hard and has earned people’s trust. As a State Representative, George worked tirelessly for local schools and teachers," said Sandy Garrett, who served as State Superintendent from 1991 to 2011. "George is committed to helping the next generation succeed with a quality education. Join me in helping re-elect my former student, George Faught, to the State House." Garrett taught in Muskogee for 15 years, and was Faught's first-grade teacher.

"George Faught will be a great representative who listens to the people of his district. He is a strong and proven leader. George supports local control of education and will work to give teachers more time to teach by stopping the excessive testing of students," said Linda Murphy, former Education Advisor to Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating.

"George Faught has the experience needed to be the voice of House District 14. He cares about Oklahoma’s children and will ensure they receive the best possible education. George possesses the moral compass we need in Oklahoma City," said Muskogee teacher Lorie Alexander. "Deeply devoted to his family and directed by his faith, George is a man of integrity you can trust with your vote." In 2013 Alexander received recognition as the top Elementary Teacher in the state by Professional Oklahoma Educators and was given the 'Elementary Educator Merit' Award.

Jenni White, president of Restore Oklahoma Public Education (R.O.P.E.), also endorsed Faught's campaign for re-election. "I support George Faught for State House District 14 because of his strong stance on local control of education and the rights of parents to educate their children in the way they deem best for that child. In 2012, Rep. Faught sponsored Parental Rights legislation that clearly delineated the role of parents as the primary decision makers for their children. We need more Representatives at the state level willing to guard and protect the rights of parents - especially today, as we continue to fight to keep Oklahoma 'Common Core' free."

White continued, "Though not a member of the House when historic HB3399 (the repeal of Common Core in Oklahoma) was passed, Rep. Faught voted against the initial legislation in 2010 that led to Common Core, and supported our fight to stop Common Core. We will need his advocacy as our new standards are written and the federal government continues to bribe states to educate Oklahoma kids their way. Please help me elect George Faught to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives." White and her organization played a key role in advocating for the successful repeal of Common Core in Oklahoma.

"George Faught has been an advocate for National Board Certified Teachers and achieving excellence in our schools. He has supported teacher pay increases and common sense reforms. George Faught has a strong conviction to do what is right for Oklahoma," said Alicia Rodgers, Fort Gibson teacher.

"I am honored to have the endorsement of these outstanding educators," said Faught. "It shows that Education isn't about partisan politics, but about preparing the next generation of Oklahoma's leaders. We must work together to make it happen. The investment we make in Education today will determine the future of our state tomorrow."

Learn more about George Faught and his campaign by visiting his website.

Former Rep. George Faught to run for House District 14

Former State Rep. George Faught to run for House District 14 seat

Muskogee  –  Former State Representative George Faught today announced his candidacy for House District 14, following Representative Arthur Hulbert’s decision to not seek reelection.  Faught previously held the seat from 2006 to 2012.  District 14 is made up of eastern Muskogee County and western Cherokee County, taking in half of the city of Muskogee, and the towns of Fort Gibson, Braggs, and Webbers Falls.

“The citizens of House District 14 deserve a proven leader to represent their values in Oklahoma City.  I am running to continue our district’s conservative voice in the State House,” said Faught.  “Arthur Hulbert has done a fine job representing us. I thank him for his service, and wish him well as he moves on to other tasks.”

For over 26 years, Faught has owned and operated Clean Pro, a carpet cleaning and disaster restoration company.  His business is based in Muskogee, and serves a wide area of eastern Oklahoma.

“As a small business owner, I understand the challenges that our economy has gone through.  We need to promote economic policies that help Oklahoma thrive. We can build a better future by creating jobs, providing quality education for our children, and promoting common sense ideas that reflect our values. We must find ways to cut wasteful spending and decrease the size of government, while lessening the burden on Oklahoma taxpayers,” Faught said.

In 2006, Faught became the first Republican in state history to win House District 14.  He was reelected in 2008, and drew no opponent in 2010.  From 2011 to 2012, he was the chairman of the Administrative Rules and Government Oversight Committee. Faught has a 100% pro-life and pro-gun voting record.

“As the federal government continues to grow larger and more intrusive, it is more important than ever that states push back and defend the Constitution and our traditional values,” said Faught.  “Oklahoma can set the example for other states to follow."

Faught and his wife Becky have been married for 31 years, and reside in Muskogee.  They are the parents of two married sons and one daughter. A committed Christian, Faught is a member of Tulsa Bible Church, where he also serves as a deacon.

Breaking: HD14 Rep. Arthur Hulbert to not seek re-election

Fort Gibson, OK -- With the recent sudden passing of my mom and three other close immediate family members being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and strokes, my wife and I have decided it  would be best for our family for me not to seek re-election at this time and be more available to help. These events are a personal reminder of how fragile and short life on this earth is and the need to be right with God and to make every moment count to the fullest.

It has been and continues to be an honor to serve in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. I am committed to strongly finish out my term in office and to be available to the people I have been called to represent. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Rep. Arthur Hulbert

State Rep. Arthur Hulbert (R-Fort Gibson) represents House District 14, which covers eastern Muskogee and western Cherokee counties. He was first elected in 2012.

Hammons won't seek reelection

From the Muskogee Phoenix:

Mayor won't seek new term

Hammons plans to attend law school

Mayor John Tyler Hammons said Thursday that he would step aside next year at the end of his second term to pursue a law degree.

Hammons dispelled speculation that he might run for the House District 14 post held by Rep. George Faught, who is seeking the Republican nomination in the 2nd Congressional District race.

Hammons said he made his decision after he received law school scholarship offers. He hopes to attend the University of Oklahoma or the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

“We’ve done a lot of good things since I’ve been here, and I’m proud of that,” Hammons said. “I’m looking forward to going back to being a private citizen. ... It’s time to seek other opportunities.”

Read more from the Muskogee Phoenix here.

Faught Blasts Senate Over Fee Increase

Faught: Senate Inaction Places Hefty Fee on Rural Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Senate leadership has declined to hear legislation opposing a new groundwater permit fee recently adopted by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board that would force rural Oklahomans to pay nearly a half million dollars in new fees, state Rep. George Faught said today.

House Joint Resolution 1086, by Faught, would disapprove the fee increase, which was adopted as a permanent agency rule by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board on February 9, 2010. The new agency rule would require a $50 fee for all groundwater permits, including those used for agriculture irrigation. This $50 fee would be per permit up to $500 per person and would be paid annually with an additional $50 late fee.

“State agencies should not be allowed to unilaterally hike fees anytime their budget gets a little tight,” said Faught, R-Muskogee. “Unfortunately, under current law, the only way to stop them is for the Legislature to disapprove a rule – which is why I filed this resolution.

“We’ve seen a growing tendency among state agencies to do an end-run around the Legislature and fill budget holes by enacting fee increases on working Oklahomans without legislative approval. HJR 1086 would have prevented that taxation without representation during this challenging economic climate.

“It is unfortunate that Senate leadership has declined to hear the resolution,” Faught continued, “and as a result, the people of rural Oklahoma will literally pay the price. I am frustrated that the Senate is sending the message that it is okay to allow a state agency to unilaterally impose $300,000 to a half-million dollars in new fees on working Oklahoma families. The Legislature should not cede budget authority to unelected bureaucrats.”

HJR 1086 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a bipartisan 70-26 vote, but was denied a hearing in the State Senate, thereby allowing the rule to go into effect. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau was among those opposing the fee hike and supporting Faught’s legislation.


George Faught, R-Muskogee, is the state representative for House District 14, which covers portions of Muskogee and Cherokee counties. He can be reached by calling 405-557-7310 (Capitol), 918-682-8383 (home district), or emailing george.faught@okhouse.gov.

State Rep. Faught Draws 2010 Opponent

State Rep. George Faught (R, Muskogee) appears to have drawn a Democratic opponent for the upcoming 2010 election.

Fort Gibson Democrat Brad Clinkenbeard has filed a Statement of Organization (SO-1) with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, officially forming his campaign committee.

Faught was first elected in 2006, shocking state Democrat and Republican leaders, and became the only Republican in state history to win the House District 14 seat. He was subsequently reelected in 2008 with 56% of the vote, in a district with only about 25% registered Republicans.