Mazzei reports over half million raised for gubernatorial campaign

Mike Mazzei for Governor Campaign Reports Strong First Quarter Momentum

Tulsa, OK (August 1st) – Conservative Republican candidate and former State Senator Mike Mazzei announced today the successful completion of his campaign’s first fundraising quarter, reporting over half a million dollars raised.

“Our campaign is about bringing real conservative leadership back to the Governor’s office,” said Mazzei. “I’m grateful for the broad coalition of conservative patriots stepping up to support our message and help us take on the bloated bureaucracy that’s holding Oklahoma back.”

Congressman Brecheen endorses Mike Mazzei for Governor

Former state senator Mike Mazzei launched his campaign for Governor with a big endorsement: conservative star Congressman Josh Brecheen keynoted Mazzei's launch event (video at the bottom of the post).

U.S. Congressman Josh Brecheen (OK-2) Endorses Mike Mazzei for Governor

Tulsa, OK (April 9th) – Oklahoma’s 2nd District Congressman Josh Brecheen endorses former State Senator and candidate Mike Mazzei for Governor of Oklahoma.

“Our country faces an unsustainable debt level because fiscal mismanagement has become a cultural phenomenon. Voters must approach the next election with great discernment - recognizing who has the essential qualifications and proven record of right-sizing government, and the demonstrated backbone to withstand the pressure of those who would sacrifice tomorrow’s freedom and security for today’s fleeting wants.

Former State Sen. Mike Mazzei launches campaign for Governor

Another Republican has officially thrown his hat into the 2026 race for Governor. Former State Senator Mike Mazzei joins current Attorney General Gentner Drummond and immediate past House Speaker Charles McCall as candidates of note so far. His campaign announcement press release is below:

Mike Mazzei: Business Leader, Job Creator, Public Servant, and Conservative Visionary, Launches Campaign for Oklahoma Governor

Tulsa, OK (April 2nd) – Conservative Republican Mike Mazzei filed paperwork with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to launch his 2026 campaign for Oklahoma Governor, a seat which will be open due to Governor Kevin Stitt’s term limit.

“I’m running for Governor for the thousands of kids who have been left behind by a backward education system that has failed. I’m running for all those Oklahoma small businesses who want to grow their companies but can’t because of taxes and regulations. More importantly, I am running because I believe together we can choose freedom and faith for a better tomorrow for all Oklahomans.”

Former Speaker Charles McCall announces campaign for Governor

Former House Speaker Charles McCall announced his campaign for Oklahoma Governor this morning in a letter posted on Twitter/X.

McCall, a banker and former mayor from Atoka, served in the State House from 2012 to 2024, and was elected as Speaker in 2017, maintaining that post until he was term limited in 2024, becoming the longest tenured Speaker in Oklahoma history.

Mazzei ends State Treasurer bid following employer conflict

Thus ends one of the shortest statewide campaigns in recent years:

Former State Senator Mike Mazzei Withdraws from the Oklahoma State Treasurers Race

Reversal from Raymond James on allowing Mazzei to run forces Mazzei to withdraw. 

TULSA, OKLAHOMA – It is with much regret that I must withdraw from the race. I know there are so many big issues facing our state and country that need a fiscal conservative solution,” said Mike Mazzei “That was why I was running, to push our state to new heights.” 

“I was running on the optimism and incredibly bright future of our state.  I know that in Oklahoma, we lead the nation as fiscal conservatives, promoting traditional family values, and economic growth and development.  While I am disappointed, I know that I will continue to work on each of those issues whether I am in an elected office or not.   I believe in our state and I believe in each individual and their future.     

Former State Senator Mike Mazzei announces bid for State Treasurer

With the State Treasurer position coming open in 2022 following incumbent Randy McDaniel's announcement that he would not be seeking reelection, another former GOP legislator is joining the race. The other candidates thus far are Republicans State Rep. Todd Russ and David Hooten.

FISCAL CONSERVATIVE MIKE MAZZEI LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR STATE TREASURER

“INVESTING IN OKLAHOMA’S FUTURE IS MY PRIORITY”

“I am excited to launch my campaign and it comes with my commitment that I will be a strong fiscal conservative watchdog for the state.  I have built a successful small business in Tulsa by leading with trust and sound financial advice.  I will take that same leadership to serve the citizens of Oklahoma.”

TULSA, OKLAHOMA – Mike Mazzei announced today that he is officially launching his campaign for State Treasurer. 

“We need leaders in our state that have the private sector experience that can navigate the chaos surrounding our country.  We need to prioritize our investments and we need to ensure that our state is fiscally sound.   

Mazzei continued, “As a conservative, I have always made decisions on what is best for the people I serve, whether it is in business or in public service.  I have built my business out of trust and confidence, and it is the same approach that I will take as the State Treasurer.  There are many challenges facing our state and we must have a common sense approach to solving those.”  

“Governor Stitt placed his trust in me, and I am now asking the voters to do the same for this next chapter for our state.  Protecting and investing in our state’s future has never been a higher priority and we can do it together.”

Stitt taps former Senate Pro Tem Bingman as Sec'y of State and Native American Affairs

GOVERNOR STITT NAMES BRIAN BINGMAN AS NEW SECRETARY OF STATE AND NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS

Secretary of Budget Mike Mazzei announces resignation to return to private sector

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 12, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today he has named Chief Policy Advisor Brian Bingman as Secretary of State and Native American Affairs.

Bingman, former President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, joined the Stitt Administration in August as the governor’s lead negotiator on legislative policy and will continue those duties as Secretary of State.

“Senator Bingman is a natural choice to be our next Secretary of State,” said Gov. Stitt. “It has been clear since he joined our team that he is respected by our colleagues in the Legislature and Oklahomans across the state. His wisdom, calm demeanor and understanding of the legislative process will continue to benefit our state in his new role.”

Bingman represented House District 30 from 2004 to 2006 before representing Senate District 12 from 2006 to 2016. He also served as President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate from 2011 to 2016 and Mayor of Sapulpa from 1992 to 2004. 

He was the first Republican in state history to serve three terms as Pro Tempore of the Senate. Under his leadership, landmark workers’ compensation and lawsuit reform became law, and he authored and pushed for a reduction in Oklahoma’s income tax rate.

“I am honored to be named as Secretary of State and Native American Affairs,” said Bingman. “I have had great conversations building relationships with our colleagues in the Legislature and look forward to continuing to partner with them to accomplish our shared desire of making Oklahoma a Top Ten state.”

Gov. Stitt also announced he has accepted the resignation of Secretary of Budget Mike Mazzei, effective October 23.

As Secretary of Budget, Mazzei’s primary responsibilities included coordinating the Governor’s Executive Budget Book, improving the state’s financial operations and negotiating the state budget with the Oklahoma Legislature. This spring, Mazzei added a role as one of the leaders of the CARES FORWARD team, ensuring efficient and effective distribution of the $1.26 billion in COVID-19 federal relief dollars to cities, counties, state agencies and economic relief grant recipients across Oklahoma.

“I have enjoyed serving in Governor Stitt’s administration to help make Oklahoma a Top Ten state,” said Mazzei. “I’m incredibly grateful for all the hard work and collaboration with the team of highly talented cabinet secretaries, budget staff, and agency financial officers to transform the financial operations of the state and provide more accountability and transparency. After an extraordinary season of time-consuming work, this is the right moment for me to step back and return to my financial planning company.”

Mazzei has spent a total of 14 years in state government. He was elected to represent Senate District 25 in 2004 and served the maximum of 12 years before reaching his term limit in 2016. During his time in the Senate, Mazzei served in leadership roles as Senate Finance Committee Chairman and Assistant Majority Floor Leader.

“The State of Oklahoma is a better place because of Secretary Mazzei’s service,” said Gov. Stitt. “Through 12 years in the Senate and two years as a cabinet secretary, he has fought for fiscal responsibility and prudent use of taxpayer dollars.”

John Budd, Oklahoma’s chief operating officer and Secretary of Agency Accountability echoed the governor’s sentiments.

“I have worked side-by-side with Mike Mazzei for the last two years,” said Budd. “His commitment to service to Oklahoma is unsurpassed. I am grateful for his thought partnership and I am comforted to know that I can call on him for help any time I need it.”

94 Oklahoma cities, counties register for Coronavirus Relief Fund reimbursements

94 CITIES, COUNTIES REGISTER FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR COVID-19 EXPENSES

The State’s application window is open until June 10 for cities, counties to receive first round of reimbursements from CARES Act CRF funds.

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 2, 2020) – The State of Oklahoma announced today that cities and counties have from June 1 through June 10 to submit their first round of applications to the State’s CARES FORWARD team to receive reimbursement funding for local government expenses incurred due to the presence of COVID-19. To date, 94 cities and counties across Oklahoma have requested to participate in the CARES FORWARD reimbursement platform.

“The State has put into place a sound platform to thoroughly review and quickly process reimbursement needs from cities and counties impacted by COVID-19,” said State COO John Budd. “We have 94 cities and counties who have already engaged with the State, and we encourage all others to reach out to the State as soon as possible to begin discussions on how these federal funds can support their services impacted by the novel virus.”

Stitt issues executive order to create accountability with Federal dollars pursued by state agencies

GOVERNOR STITT ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY WITH FEDERAL DOLLARS PURSUED BY STATE AGENCIES

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Sept. 24, 2019)  – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today a new executive order to create stronger oversight and accountability for state agencies’ pursuit of new federal funds and other grant resources. Executive Order (EO) 2019-40 requires state agencies, boards or commissions to first submit any grant application for review to the office of the Governor and for approval by the Secretary of Budget before the agency’s final submission to the funding source.

“For the first time in state history, our executive budget this year outlined total dollars spent by state agencies, to include roughly 30% of funding that comes from the federal government,” said Gov. Stitt. “In this administration, we are focused on delivering transparency, accountability and oversight of Oklahomans’ tax dollars, whether it’s generated through the feds, fees, or fines. With this executive order, we will work to avoid the pursuit of short-term money that often leaves taxpayers holding the bag when the funding dries up, while also making certain that the grants we do apply for match the vision and values of Oklahoma.”

“Federal dollars are a significant part of the State’s total $19 billion budget,” said Secretary of Budget Mike Mazzei. “We’ve collaborated with the entire cabinet in order to address federal grants in a thoughtful manner that will streamline the approval process and comply with federal requirements to maintain a centralized database.”

EO 2019-40 requires all state agencies, boards, and commissions (other than State higher education member institutions and local school district boards) that desire to apply for a grant of $50,000 or more, including but not limited to grants from state government, private or public foundations, individuals, and non-profit organizations, to obtain the written approval of the appropriate Cabinet Secretary prior to beginning the grant application process. 

If a grant application is approved, the Cabinet Secretary will communicate the details of the grant application to the Secretary of Budget.

EO 2019-40 also requires state agencies, boards, and commissions (other than State higher education member institutions and local school district boards) that desire to apply for a grant in excess of $100,000 of any kind from the Federal government to obtain the written approval of the appropriate Cabinet Secretary and the Secretary of Budget prior to beginning the grant application process.

The executive order does not apply to “emergency” grant funds from the Federal government where the time from application to distribution of funds is typically less than 10 days, as is often the case with grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and any “formula” grants from the Federal government that an agency, board, or commission has applied for in the past and received.

The Secretary of Budget is designated as the State of Oklahoma’s single point of contact (“SPOC”) under Presidential Executive Order 12372 to act as the State’s contact for the coordination and review of any proposed Federal assistance and/or direct Federal development.

A copy of EO 2019-40 is available by clicking here.

$8.2B certified for FY2020 appropriations, 7.5% increase

BOARD OF EQUALIZATION APPROVES $8.2B FOR FY 2020 APPROPRIATIONS

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 20, 2019) — The Board of Equalization, chaired by Governor J. Kevin Stitt, on Wednesday certified $8,249,071,274 in revenues for FY 2020 appropriations, which is $574.5 million, or 7.5 percent, more than was appropriated for FY 2019.This amount is $37.8 million, or 0.5 percent, less than the December estimate.

“Today’s report by the Board of Equalization is encouraging,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Our state’s economy has remained strong because of Oklahomans who are working hard, opening businesses and creating jobs. Moving forward, my budget priorities for FY 2020 remain the same. My number one focus is on improving our state’s savings and delivering agency accountability. These are the keys to unlocking Oklahoma’s turnaround and putting us on a path to a stronger future. In order to accomplish this, we must invest in our savings account and recognize that true fiscal accountability and transparency is not possible until the governor has hire and fire authority over state agencies. I look forward to working with the Legislature this session to get this done.”

All major tax categories showed growth between the board’s December meeting and its February meeting except personal income tax, which fell $27.9 million, or 1.0 percent, and gross production taxes on natural gas, which decreased by $53.2 million, or 11.4 percent.

"It's important going into the next two fiscal years that we build a state budget that is sustainable. While we did not meet the threshold for money to be deposited into the new Revenue Stabilization Fund this year, it is very likely that a large deposit will happen next fiscal year," said Secretary of Budget Mike Mazzei. “This deposit could be hundreds of millions of dollars, which means there could be no growth revenue in FY 2021."

"We need to be cautious when allocating agency appropriations this year," Mazzei added. "If current trends continue, and we appropriate all available funds for FY 2020 operations, we could be setting ourselves up for some difficulty next year.”

Oklahoma state government builds a 5 percent cushion into every appropriated state budget to prevent mandatory budget reductions if revenues fall below the official estimate. If revenues are projected to fall more than 5 percent below the estimate for the remainder of the fiscal year, a revenue failure is declared and mandatory appropriation reductions must occur to maintain a balanced budget.

The Board of Equalization packet is available on the OMES website.

Gov.-elect Stitt tapps Mazzei for Secretary of Budget

GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES SECRETARY OF BUDGET

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Dec. 20, 2018) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt announced today the nomination of Mike Mazzei as the Secretary of Budget, a newly created cabinet position that will require Senate confirmation. As Secretary of Budget, Mazzei will be responsible for preparing and finalizing the governor’s annual state budget, providing oversight of its implementation and giving counsel for the state’s financial strategy.

“Mike Mazzei brings a depth of knowledge from his time as chair of the Senate Finance Committee as well as his success in the private sector that will benefit our administration greatly,” said Stitt. “As Secretary of Budget, he will continue to ensure that our fiscal house is in order and that accountability and transparency measures are implemented with the state’s use of Oklahomans’ hard-earned tax dollars.”

Mike Mazzei is the president of Tulsa Wealth Advisors and is a certified financial planner. Mazzei served as the Oklahoma Senator for Senate District 25 from 2004 to 2016. During his time in the legislature, Mazzei chaired the Senate Finance Committee for 10 years. His major accomplishments as a state senator include: fixing the broken pensions system in the state, eliminating the special retirement benefit for elected officials, authoring the Quick Action Closing Fund, and authoring the 21st Century Quality Jobs Program. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from George Mason University and a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning.

“Mike Mazzei is a terrific choice for Governor-elect Stitt’s cabinet. We applaud his appointment and are thrilled to have one of the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s board members and strongest OneVoice coalition advocates serving at the Capitol in such a critical role. From representing the residents of south Tulsa in the state Senate, including his 10 years as chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Mike is well acquainted with the opportunities and challenges facing our state. His financial acumen and private-sector experience as president of Tulsa Wealth Advisors will also be incredibly valuable for the incoming administration.” – Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber

“Making Oklahoma a Top 10 State begins with getting our financial engine fired up. Senator Mike Mazzei is the right leader with the vision, experience, and jumper cables to launch us forward.” – Joe Newhouse, Oklahoma Senator (Senate District 25)

"Mike Mazzei has over two decades of private sector experience as a successful financial advisor. He also served with distinction as the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He is an outstanding choice to serve as the Secretary of Budget." – John Randall McDaniel, Oklahoma Treasurer-Elect and former Oklahoma representative (House District 83)

“Mike Mazzei has the enviable talent of accurately investigating, researching, and dissecting numbers, spreadsheets, and the like, and, then, explaining the findings in a clear and concise way. His experience in personal, corporate, and state finances gives him the depth and breadth few have acquired. In addition, former Senator Mazzei is a man of integrity, veracity, and straight forwardness. He lives his life with admirable devotion to his wife and children. Surely many were considered for the position of Secretary of Budget, but no one is more suited for this job. Our state will be well served by Mike Mazzei.” – David Rader, Oklahoma Senator (Senate District 39)

Stitt expands transition team, announces Policy Committee chairs

Governor-elect Kevin Stitt Announces Expansion of Transition Team, Policy Committee Chairs

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Nov. 20, 2018) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt today announced the expansion of nine additional members to Oklahoma’s Turnaround, the transition team for the Stitt administration, and the chairs for each policy advisory committee.

"We are excited for the talented Oklahomans who continue to join Oklahoma’s Turnaround,” said Governor-elect Kevin Stitt. “We are ending politics as usual because of the Oklahomans who are willing to step forward and give their valuable time to assist with recruitment and with developing bold policy directives for the 2019 Legislative session.”

The nine new executive team members are as follows:

Gen. Rita Aragon served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2010 to 2014. She then served as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Military and Veterans Affairs from 2014 to 2016. Gen. Aragon is a retired United States Air National Guard two-star general. Her final active military post was as the Air National Guard assistant to the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Manpower and Personnel.

Blayne Arthur is the Executive Director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. She previously served the state as Deputy Commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry from 2011 to 2016.

Jill Castilla led the fastest bank turnaround in the nation without adding capital and now leads Citizens Bank of Edmond as President and CEO. Castilla serves on the Boards of Directors of American Bankers Association, Peppers Ranch foster care community, Metafund, Edmond and Oklahoma City Chambers of Commerce and the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. Castilla served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard and is an Army wife and Army mom.

Michelle Choquette currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Gateway Mortgage Group, leading recruitment, compensation, benefits, employee relations, learning and development and internal communications. With 27 years of experience, Choquette previously served as Vice President of HR at one of the top car rental companies in the country and led HR for seven years at Community Action Project Tulsa (CAP), a non-profit agency focused on breaking the cycle of poverty.

Dr. Amy Emerson is a Tulsa-based pediatrician and the area medical champion for Reach Out and Read’s Oklahoma chapter. Reach Out and Read is an early literacy intervention program embedded in medical practices. In the Tulsa area, the program has served as an important component of the Talking is Teaching community-wide initiative sponsored by the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF). Emerson is active in areas of foster and adoption care support, as well as serving as medical consultant for high quality early learning centers such as Educare.

Brian Hill is the founder and CEO of Works24 and The Cedar Gate.

Fred Mendoza is an Oklahoma City based business and civic leader and a pioneer in creating Hispanic Private Sector community initiatives. Formerly based in Nashville and Dallas, he currently owns an artist talent management, production and marketing company where he has worked with numerous country and rock and roll legends.

Gene McKown is co-owner and president of development for Ideal Homes and longtime Norman philanthropist.

Monte Tucker is a fourth-generation farmer and rancher from Sweetwater. Tucker serves as President of the Roger Mills County Farm Bureau, a member of the state board of directors of Oklahoma Farm Bureau, and a volunteer fireman in Sweetwater. Tucker is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Animal Science. 

The seven chairs for each policy advisory committee are as follows:

Economic Growth Committee Chair: Lieutenant Governor-elect Matt Pinnell, who also serves on Oklahoma’s Turnaround executive team. 

Education Committee Chair: Michael Rogers served in the House of Representatives from 2014-2018 representing Broken Arrow and District 98. Rogers served as the Chair of the Common Education Committee, carried the teacher pay-raise bill last session, and played a leadership role in the passage of HB1010xx to fund the teacher pay increase. He has also served on numerous national boards and commissions including the Southern Regional Education Board as well as the Education Commission of the States.

Government Efficiency Committee Chair: Mike Mazzei, who also serves on Oklahoma’s Turnaround executive team.

Health Committee Chair: Marshall Snipes is a past chair and current member of the Board of Directors of Integris Health System, Inc. He is the Chair of the Board of Directors of Quality Alliance Assurance Company, a medical malpractice insurance company and a Board Member of Sterling Dental North America, a regional prepaid dental plan. He is a former partner of KPMG (formerly Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co.), an international CPA firm and he was recently named a Regional Trustee Liaison to the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board.

Infrastructure Committee Chair: Robert L. Cummins, Jr., has spent the past 27 years in the highway construction industry. Twenty of those years (1994-2014) he served as president of The Cummins Construction Company, in Enid, Oklahoma. During that time, he also served two terms as the Chairman of the Oklahoma Asphalt Paving Association and one term as the president of the Oklahoma Association of General Contractors. Cummins has a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management Technology from Oklahoma State University. Prior to 1991, he worked in the building construction industry.

Native American Committee Chair: Neal McCaleb serves as Ambassador for the Chickasaw Nation and as Chairman of the Board for both Chickasaw Nation Industries and Bank2 (wholly owned Chickasaw Enterprise). He is a former Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs".

Public Safety Committee Chair: Steven Taylor of McAlester is a retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma, retiring in 2017 after 33 years of judicial service on the District Court and the Supreme Court. He served four years active duty as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a former Mayor of McAlester. In 2004, Taylor presided over the state trial of the Oklahoma City Bombing case.
   
Oklahoma’s Turnaround Team will develop policy proposals for the upcoming legislative session, prepare the governor-elect’s budget proposal, and ensure an orderly transition to the new administration. Each advisory committee chair will lead a team of Oklahomans in developing proposals for the first Legislative session in a Stitt administration.

For those interested in applying for Oklahoma’s Turnaround or to serve in a Stitt administration, Oklahomans are encouraged to visit www.OklahomaTurnaround.com.

Gov.-elect Stitt announces Oklahoma's Turnaround transition team

GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES TRANSITION TEAM

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Nov. 13, 2018) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt today announced formation of Oklahoma’s Turnaround, the transition team for the Stitt administration.

The transition team will work with Governor-elect Stitt to recruit Oklahomans to serve in a Stitt administration and to build out Oklahoma’s Turnaround transition team to include issue-centered advisory committees on the following seven topics: Education, Economic Growth, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Health, Public Safety, and Native American Partnerships.

Oklahoma’s Turnaround Team will develop policy proposals for the upcoming legislative session, prepare the governor-elect’s budget proposal, and ensure an orderly transition to the new administration.

"I am grateful for the talented Oklahomans who are rolling up their sleeves and already getting to work on making our state Top Ten. The transition team will be focused on recruiting fresh, new leadership to assist in Oklahoma’s turnaround,” said Governor-elect Kevin Stitt. “Over the next week, we will be expanding the team to include committees focused on policy priorities for the first Legislative session.”

For those interested in applying for Oklahoma’s Turnaround or to serve in a Stitt administration, Oklahomans are encouraged to visit www.OklahomaTurnaround.com.

The executive team is as follows:

Marc Nuttle will serve as chair of the transition team. Nuttle is a lawyer, author, consultant and businessman who has had a varied career. He has represented and advised Presidents of the United States, leaders of foreign countries, state officials and corporations. Nuttle has worked on government policy and has predicted economic trends.

Matt Pinnell is Lieutenant Governor-elect. Pinnell is a small business owner with his wife, Lisa. Most recently, Pinnell was tapped to lead the transition team for Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel. Prior, Pinnell served as Director of State Parties for the Republican National Committee from 2013 to 2017 and served as Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party from 2010 to 2013.

Melissa Houston serves as Labor Commissioner, appointed in 2015. Before serving as labor commissioner, Houston was chief of staff and policy adviser in the state attorney general's office. She has also served as the chief of staff for the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security for nine years and an attorney for the Truth in Sentencing Policy Advisory Commission.

Aamon Ross was the Campaign Manager for Stitt for Governor 2018. Before serving as Campaign Manager, he was a consultant to a variety of companies and industries and negotiated large scale contracts. Additionally, Ross has owned several small businesses and led numerous teams while working in medical device sales for over 14 years.

Sean Kouplen is Chairman and CEO of Regent Bank in Tulsa. Kouplen holds numerous statewide leadership positions including Chairman of the OSU-Tulsa Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Hospitality House of Tulsa, and Board of Directors for MetaFund, Salvation Army of Tulsa, and SouthPoint Church. 

Mike Mazzei is the President of Tulsa Wealth Advisors | Raymond James. Mazzei is a former member of the State Senate, representing Senate District 25 from 2004 to 2016. Mazzei previously served as the Senate Finance Chairman from 2008 to 2016.

Corbin McGuire served as Chairman for the Stitt for Governor campaign. McGuire started RNM Recruiting 14 years ago and serves as Managing Director. RNM Recruiting is a technology search firm that focuses on permanent placements nationwide. Corbin graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1995 and currently resides in Tulsa.

Geoffrey Long was general counsel for the Stitt for Governor campaign and will serve as the General Counsel to the transition team. Before entering private practice, he previously served as an attorney for the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, Oklahoma Attorney General, and other state agencies.

Donelle Harder was Deputy Campaign Manager and spokesperson for the Stitt for Governor campaign. Before joining the campaign, Harder was Vice President at the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association and had previously served as Communications Director for U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. She comes with more than 10 years of experience in political advising, strategic communications, and government relations.

The transition office is scheduled to open on Thursday. The office is located on the first floor of the State Capitol and will be open Mondays thru Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for on holidays. The transition office phone number is 405-522-8804.

Sens. Ford, Halligan, Mazzei to launch new think tank

State Senators John Ford (R-Bartlesville), Jim Halligan (R-Stillwater), and Mike Mazzei (R-Tulsa) are starting a new think tank to focus on state issues. Ford and Mazzei are both leaving the Senate due to term limits, while Halligan opted to not run for a third and final four-year term.

From Oklahoma Watch:

Mazzei, a certified financial planner, told Oklahoma Watch that the Opportunity Project will reflect the views of fiscal conservatives like himself on issues of state finance, education and health policy.

“Our goal, in the era of term limits, is to offer policy ideas and institutional knowledge to members of the Legislature who would like to have some expertise that doesn’t come from lobbyists and agency employees,” Mazzei said.

Mazzei said organizations such as OK Policy and OCPA play an important role in the legislative process, but generally lack the insider perspective gained from years of service in the House or Senate.

“Our ideological friends out there sometimes make proposals that sound good on paper, but they don’t work in the real world,” Mazzei said. “And neither do they understand the political realities of how to get stuff done at the Capitol.

“That level of detail and expertise frankly just doesn’t exist at the think tanks,“ he said.

Ford leaves office with a lifetime Conservative Index score of 63, Halligan with a score of 45, and Mazzei with a score of 64. Comparing those scores to the rest of the Senate, Mazzei is tied for 13th most conservative/19th most liberal, Ford is tied for 14th most conservative/18th most liberal, and Halligan for 22nd most conservative/9th most liberal (2nd most liberal Republican).

Read the full story at Oklahoma Watch here.

Lankford endorsed by 4 Tulsa State Senators, Shannon by 4 OKC State Senators

In the past week, U.S. Senate candidates James Lankford and T.W. Shannon each gained endorsements from four metro state senators: Lankford was endorsed by four Tulsa-area senators, and Shannon was supported by four OKC-area senators.

Lankford's press released, posted on the McCarville Report:
Four Tulsa area state senators have endorsed Congressman James Lankford in his bid to win the Republican nomination for the U. S. Senate.

“I endorse James Lankford with confidence because I know he will fight for Oklahoma’s working families and small businesses during tough economic times, while standing up for Oklahoma values and the Right to Life at all times.”
Senator Rick Brinkley - District 34

“Oklahoma families have been presented with difficult decisions as the economy struggles to recover.  I know that James Lankford shares my belief that government should not make decisions even more challenging for our families, and I trust him to fight for lower taxes and responsible spending on behalf of Oklahoma taxpayers.”
Senator Mike Mazzei - District 25

“I’m excited to see the groundswell of support for James Lankford in our great state. More than ever, it’s critical that we send leaders to Washington, D.C. who understand what matters to Oklahomans because they’re listening to us and working on our behalf.  James Lankford will be that type of leader in the U.S. Senate.”
Senator Dan Newberry -District 37

“As a small business owner, I believe it is important to elect someone who will fight to keep federal agencies from burdening our businesses with massive regulations that are stifling economic growth and job creation in our state. Because of his managerial experience, his passion for our state, and his commitment to our hardworking families, I’m proud to endorse James Lankford.”
Senator Gary Stanislawski - District 35

Shannon's press release, posted on TheOkie:
Conservative Oklahoma state Senators David Holt (District 30), Kyle Loveless (District 45), Rob Johnson (District 22), and Ralph Shortey (District 44) today endorsed T.W. Shannon for U.S. Senate.

“Addressing our nation’s unprecedented challenges will require the kind of consensus we have rarely enjoyed the last three decades,” Senator Holt said. “Building that consensus will demand extraordinary leaders who can relate to the America of 2014. T.W. represents a new generation of leadership. He stands for common sense fiscal conservatism and free market values. He has a proven record of success as Oklahoma’s Speaker of the House. He is an Oklahoman, born and raised. He is a principled man of faith supported by a loving family. He has demonstrated his willingness to do what must be done, even if it makes some special interests uncomfortable.”

Senator Loveless said, “Having worked in Washington, D.C., and now as a state senator, I have worked with and known T.W. Shannon for over ten years. He is a conservative stalwart. He is a leader, he is a great dad, and he led the effort to ensure that those on welfare that were able-bodied had to work to get their benefits. As a small business owner, we need leaders like T.W. who have a background in business and who understand the burden the federal government is to economic growth in Oklahoma. He will be an excellent U.S. Senator for Oklahoma, I am proud to endorse T.W. Shannon for the U.S. Senate.”

“I have worked closely with T.W. in the legislature,” Senator Johnson said. “He’s a true conservative and a man of faith, vision and character. T.W. is a natural leader and we need him to bring that leadership and vision to Washington, D.C., as our next U.S. Senator.”

“I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with Speaker Shannon on many conservative issues,” Senator Shortey said. “Not only have I been impressed by his strong conservative principles but also by his leadership in advancing those principles. Whether it was by creating the States’ Rights Committee or standing against increasing bonded indebtedness in our state, T.W. has shown constant conservative leadership. I believe he is the conservative leader we need in the U.S. Senate and am honored to offer my support and endorsement.”

“Though still just a candidate,” said Senator Holt, “T.W. Shannon has already captured the imaginations of Oklahomans and Americans across the nation, and this is nothing for which he should apologize. T.W. possesses the rare gifts that make great leaders. T.W. Shannon is the man for this moment. It is an absolute certainty that he will be a national leader immediately upon his election. Our party needs that leader. Our nation needs that leader. Oklahoma can deliver that leader.”

“I’m humbled to receive the endorsements of my colleagues in the Senate,” Shannon said. “As conservative legislators we worked together in the fight to reduce debt, cut spending and reform welfare for Oklahoma.”