Gov. Stitt appoints James Green as DA for Pittsburg and Haskell counties

Governor Stitt Appoints James Green as District 18 Attorney for Pittsburg and Haskell Counties

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 20, 2026) - Governor Stitt announced the appointment of James Green as District Attorney for District 18, representing Pittsburg and Haskell Counties. This appointment is effective immediately.

“James' experience as acting district attorney has proven he has the leadership, judgment, and character to serve as district attorney for the citizens of District 18,” said Governor Stitt. “His eight years as a prosecutor, combined with his military service, have prepared him to uphold the rule of law in our communities. I have no doubt James will deliver justice to his district and the people of Oklahoma.”

Mazzei's Millions: nears $11M in personal campaign loans

Prepare to be flabbergasted. We have a new state record for most personal money loaned by a candidate to his own political campaign:

Mike Mazzei has loaned his campaign nearly 11 million dollars.

$11,000,000.00.

Eleven million dollars.

That is more any candidate has ever personally loaned his campaign during one election cycle in Oklahoma history. Governor Kevin Stitt loaned his 2018 campaign ~$5M, and another ~$2M in 2022, for a cumulative total of $7M. That seems to be the previous record. Combined with his 2018 loans, Stitt raised another $5M+ for a full total of $10.8M, another record at the time. Mazzei smashed both in just a few months with his personal bankrolling.

McCall's $5.6M loan is nothing to sneeze at, also one of the top in history, but Mazzei's millions blow that away.

Wow.

Hilliary political machine dumps major money into SD32, backs Curtis Erwin over conservative Sen. Dusty Deevers

Candidate Curtis Erwin flanked by major donors Dustin (l) and Michael Hilliary (r)

There's a new big-time player on the Oklahoma political scene. The Hilliary family of southwest Oklahoma, known best for their broadband company (Hilliary Communications) and a growing statewide media network (Hilliary Media Group), rose in recent years from relative obscurity to being among the biggest political donors in Oklahoma and garnering appointments to key governmental roles and boards. 

Now, they are setting their sights on Lawton area's State Senate District 32, backing political blank-slate newcomer Curtis Erwin against one of the most conservative Republicans in the Oklahoma State Senate, Dusty Deevers. This is the second election in a row that they have heavily backed a candidate in this Senate seat, having flushed tens of thousands of dollars into a candidate who lost to Deevers in the 2023 special election.

Voters in Senate District 32 need to recognize this for what it is: a brazen attempt by powerful special interests to oust a vocal conservative reformer.

Gov. Stitt, AG Drummond trade barbs over cooperating with Trump Medicaid fraud audit

One of the positive things to look forward to after this year will be the end of this endless bickering and fighting between Gov. Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond (who I certainly hope does not become Oklahoma's next governor...). Drummond wouldn't agree with Stitt if Stitt said the sky was blue.

Governor Stitt Directs Attorney General to Align Efforts with Trump Administration Crackdown on Medicaid Fraud

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20, 2026) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt directed the Attorney General to cooperate with the Trump administration’s audit of Medicaid Fraud Control Units and ensure that Oklahoma taxpayer dollars are not being misused by bad actors.

The letter reads, in part:

“President Trump’s audit is aimed at aggressive enforcement, accurate documentation, and real accountability from Medicaid providers. That is the right agenda, and Oklahoma should be leading it.

Small: Attack on State Treasurer lacks merit

Attack on state treasurer lacks merit

By Jonathan Small

In politics, particularly during election years, thinly sourced allegations of wrongdoing are not unusual. Even so, a recent attack on State Treasurer Todd Russ makes for especially thin gruel. We’re supposed to believe Russ spearheaded a conspiracy to award a state contract … to the lowest bidder.

Several years ago, the Oklahoma Legislature created the Invest in Oklahoma program to encourage state pensions to invest up to 5 percent of their assets in Oklahoma-based companies. Eventually, lawmakers also voted to put the treasurer’s office in charge of the program but provided no extra funding to the agency to cover associated costs.

Gov. Stitt touts win for accountability, gov't reform in state boards and commissions

Governor Stitt Celebrates Win for Accountability and Government Reform

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 15, 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt today said the final day of the legislative session sent a clear message that Oklahomans are ready for reform, accountability, and consolidation across the state’s more than 400 boards and commissions.

On Sine Die, the Legislature failed to override the Governor’s veto of House Bill 3320, which would have permanently extended 39 boards and commissions by removing their statutory sunset dates.

“Sunset dates exist for a reason,” said Governor Stitt. “They force government to justify its existence, prove its value to taxpayers, and remain accountable to the people. We should not permanently extend boards and commissions without first seeking reform and consolidation. The answer cannot always be more government.”

AFP-OK praises Stitt for signing landmark guidance transparency bill

AFP-OK Praises Gov. Stitt for Putting Signature to Landmark Guidance Transparency Legislation 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (May 11th) - Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) praised Gov. Kevin Stitt for signing a new guidance transparency bill. Senate Bill (SB) 1433 reforms the state’s Administrative Procedures Act to ensure that any state agency guidance documents – such as memos, policy statements, or directives – are made public so that people can better understand how agencies interpret and enforce laws and regulations.  

AFP-OK State Director John Tidwell gave the following statement: 

Small: Sweeping reading reform puts state on right path

Sweeping reading reform puts state on right path

By Jonathan Small

This week, surrounded by school children, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a sweeping reform that will dramatically improve literacy outcomes.

Based on Spring 2025 state tests, just 27 percent of Oklahoma third graders read at or above grade level. National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests show only 23 percent of fourth-grade students scored at or above proficient in 2024. Only two states did worse.

Oklahoma’s abysmal reading outcomes have occurred even as public schools’ per-pupil revenue has surged more than 50 percent since 2018. The problem was not money, but execution.

Fortunately, Mississippi provided a guide map.

Since the 2013 passage of Mississippi’s Literacy-Based Promotion Act (LBPA), Mississippi has climbed from 49th to ninth for fourth grade reading, according to NAEP. Mississippi is the only state where the bottom 10 percent of students scored better in 2024 than their 2013-2014 school-year counterparts.

Gov. Stitt signs 'Oklahoma Dream Accounts' bill, adding $250 to children's Trump Accounts

Building the American Dream: Governor Stitt Signs Oklahoma Dream Accounts Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 23, 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt has signed House Bill 4071, the Oklahoma Dream Accounts Investment Program Act, to help give every eligible Oklahoma child a stronger financial start in life.

“The American Dream is different for every young Oklahoman. Let’s give them the opportunity to achieve it. With Trump Accounts and this $250 investment from the state, we are putting real resources behind their future,” said Governor Stitt.

Governor Stitt called for the investment in these American Dream accounts in his State of the State. HB 4071 creates the Oklahoma Dream Accounts Investment Program and the Oklahoma Trump Account Investment Fund. The bill authorizes the State Treasurer to make a one-time $250 contribution into the federally authorized Trump Account of each eligible Oklahoma child, once a family applies and the account is verified.

Mullin confirmed as DHS Secretary, Stitt appoints Alan Armstrong as replacement

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:

Gov. Stitt orders comprehensive review of Oklahoma's public education spending

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.

Gov. Stitt, Wildlife Conservation go to battle with AG Drummond over rule of law

Governor Stitt Fights for Rule of Law, Wildlife Conservation

 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (November 20, 2025) – In the wake of Attorney General Drummond’s decision to put the desires of political donors above Oklahoma law, Governor Stitt doubled down on his commitment to upholding the rule of law, regardless of race. He applauded the Wildlife Commission’s decision to order the Attorney General to stop interfering with their duty to uphold the law and opt to hire an independent attorney that will defend their position.

  

“The most core American value is that laws are applied equally regardless of race,” said Governor Stitt. “The courts have been clear time and time again, the application of the misguided McGirt decision does not extend to every part of Oklahoma life. The state can and will continue to enforce wildlife laws, traffic laws, and tax laws to every Oklahoman.”

Tickets included bear baiting, spotlighting, hunting without a license on state owned property and hunting without a license on federal land that is managed by OWDC.

Stitt defends equal enforcement of state hunting laws, countering action by Attorney General "lawless Drummond"

Governor Stitt Defends Equal Enforcement of State Hunting Laws, Appoints Special Prosecutor 

OKLAHOMA CITY (November 13, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Russ Cochran, former Assistant District Attorney for Lincoln and Pottawattamie Counties and former General Counsel for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, to act as a special prosecutor in the wake of the State Attorney General’s actions regarding the prosecution of certain crimes in eastern Oklahoma.

“State and federal courts have been clear. The State of Oklahoma can prosecute Indians who commit non-major crimes in our state,” said Governor Stitt. “I will not stand by and allow lawless Drummond to undermine district attorneys who are prosecuting crimes and keeping Oklahomans safe.”

Gov. Stitt adds two new staffers to focus on legislative relations

Governor Kevin Stitt Welcomes Two New Members to Focus on Legislative Relations

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 28, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced that Derek Sparks and Jennifer Shoop will join the Governor’s professionals to focus on strengthening relationships with members of the Oklahoma Legislature and supporting the administration’s legislative priorities. 

“Derek and Jennifer bring a wealth of experience and trusted relationships to our office,” said Governor Stitt. “Their understanding of the legislative process and commitment to serving Oklahomans will be invaluable as we continue working to make Oklahoma top ten in everything we do.”

Oklahoma congressional delegation comments on SNAP funding, Be A Neighbor program

Oklahoma Delegation Statement Regarding SNAP Funding and Be a Neighbor Support Services 

Oklahoma (Oct. 30th) – On Saturday, November 1st, 2025, approximately 700,000 Oklahomans will not receive their SNAP benefits. Despite falling into the category of mandatory funding, due to the government shutdown, SNAP contingency funds are not legally available to cover SNAP costs.

We understand that this abrupt pause to SNAP funding may impact many of our constituents, and we wish to assist you during this time. To this end, we recommend that anyone struggling with food scarcity utilize the Oklahoma Human Services’ Be a Neighbor program. Be a Neighbor was started by Governor Stitt in 2018 to help Oklahomans with their food, clothing, and housing needs by providing a comprehensive database of local organizations equipped to support families. 

OCPA calls to make State Superintendent an appointed position, not elected

OCPA: For accountability, make state superintendent appointed

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 2, 2025) — To bring greater accountability to the state school system and reduce dysfunction in state government, Oklahoma should make the position of state superintendent a gubernatorial appointee, Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs President Jonathan Small said today.

“Every four years, candidates for Oklahoma governor campaign on education issues, but when they are elected, they have little direct oversight of the school system because the state superintendent is elected separately,” Small said. “Too often, we have seen an elected state superintendent work at cross-purposes to the governor. We saw that with former state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, who oversaw the worst academic declines in decades even as school spending exploded and then ran for governor against Kevin Stitt on a platform of improving the education decline she helped create.

Gov. Stitt appoints Lindel Fields to finish Walters' term as State Superintendent

In his press conference at Eisenhower International School, Gov. Stitt called for the legislature to pass a constitutional amendment changing the State Superintendent of Public Instruction from an elected position to one appointed by the Governor, before announcing his selection of Lindel Fields, a former longtime Career Tech superintendent.

Stitt announced as part of the "turnaround team" the following individuals: Connie Riley (Office of Educational Quality and Accountability), Kristen Stevens, Romel Muex-Pullen, Megan Oftedal, former State Rep. Tom Newell, Tara Thompson, and current Secretary of Education Nellie Sanders.

Gov. Stitt praises Medical Marijuana Authority, Bureau of Narcotics for enforcement efforts

Governor Stitt Commends Medical Marijuana Authority, Bureau of Narcotics for Enforcement Efforts

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 22, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt commended the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) on their successful ongoing efforts to reduce illegal marijuana grows and other criminal activity in the state.

“In 2022, I made it a top priority to crack down on our out-of-control medical marijuana industry,” said Governor Stitt. “Director Berry, Director Anderson, and our county sheriffs have worked tirelessly to accomplish that by removing illegal grows, addressing human trafficking, and protecting Oklahomans. They do so without seeking accolades or recognition. I am grateful for their service and their commitment to the safety and well-being of all four million Oklahomans."

Since 2022, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics has seized 1.7 million illegal marijuana plants, 181,000 pounds of processed marijuana, and made 302 arrests.

Stitt issues executive order to end state contracts with providers connected to abortion

While we're at it, how about we just flat-out abolish abortion next legislative session?

Governor Stitt Issues Sweeping Order Directing Agencies to Enforce Pro-Life Standards Across State Government

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 31, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order strengthening Oklahoma's commitment to protecting unborn life by directing state agencies to cease all public funding for any individual or organization affiliated with abortion providers. The order follows the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, which affirmed that states have the right to decide which providers can take part in their Medicaid programs, including the right to block providers connected to abortion.

Small: Court finds McGirt ruling has limits

Court finds McGirt ruling has limits

By Jonathan Small

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which held that the pre-statehood reservation of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was never formally disestablished for purposes of federal criminal law, created vast uncertainty, particularly as other “reservations” were discovered.

The question facing Oklahomans: Would McGirt provide tribal governments with civil authority over the state and non-Indians?

Thankfully, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has now answered, “No.” Otherwise, McGirt would have created economic chaos and worse by cementing Oklahoma as place where there would be two sets of rules based on race, geography, demographic or political classification.