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.

Pastor Tim Turner comments on SD8 mailer

Pastor Tim Turner of Eufaula, commenting on a misunderstanding regarding a campaign mailer in Senate District 8's Republican runoff election.

"Dear church family and community, 

I am aware of a campaign mailer that went out with my name and picture on it in support of Senate candidate Bryan Logan. While I strongly believe that Bryan Logan's platform aligns best with biblical values, and will be voting for him, there was a simple miscommunication between us. As a pastor, it's not been my policy to publicly endorse candidates.

Mr. Logan has apologized for the mistake, which I accept. I sincerely hope that no one will hold this misunderstanding against him."

— Pastor Tim Turner

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. 

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.

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.

State Election Board: post-election audits confirm results of recent legislative races

Post-Election Audits Confirm Results of Recent Legislative Races

(Oklahoma City, February 29th) – The State Election Board announced today that post-election audits conducted last week confirmed the results of the recent State Senator, District 32 Special General Election and State Representative, District 39 Special Primary Election and Special General Election.

GOP hold: Dusty Deevers wins SD32 special election

The voters in Oklahoma State Senate District 32 have spoken, and chosen Republican Dusty Deevers to fill the remainder of former Senator John Michael Montgomery's four-year term, which expires in 2026. Deevers received 3,104 votes (55.48%) to Democrat Larry Bush's 2,491 votes (44.52%).

A Baptist pastor from Elgin, Deevers is an unabashed conservative who has been very involved in efforts to abolish abortion not only in Oklahoma, but across the country. 

The last competitive election in this district was in 2018, when Republicans took the seat for first time since the 1930s, when John Michael Mongtomery received 55.14% over Democrat Jacobi Crowley's 44.86%.

Dusty Deevers wins SD32 GOP primary, advances to December general election

The primary for the Senate District 32 special election was held this evening, with Republican and Democratic voters chosing their respective nominees to face off in the December 12th general election.

In a tight - and contentious - four-way GOP primary, Elgin pastor Dusty Deevers emerged triumphant, leading the field by 6.3% with just over 37% of the vote. Deevers will be a fantastic conservative addition to the State Senate, assuming he continues on to win the general election.

Dusty Deevers receives impressive conservative endorsements in SD32 special election

Pastor Dusty Deevers, GOP candidate in the Senate District 32 special election, has received several impressive endorsements from conservative Oklahoma and national groups.

The winner-take-all primary election for this Lawton-area seat will be October 10th, with the general election on December 12th. As I said previously, Dusty is an articulate communicator, tenaciously committed to principles that are fundamentally grounded on God's Word. He'll be a fierce advocate for conservatism, and will be a senator who can effectively resist the "Swamp" at the State Capitol. If you live in Senate District 32, I encourage you to vote for Dusty Deevers on October 10th!

State Rep. Martinez resigns amid fallout over felony DUI plea

Proverbs 20:1 says, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." True words.

State Rep. Ryan Martinez was arrested on a DUI-related offense back in October, escalated to a felony due to having a past DUI charge. As was the case with another fellow drunkard legislator, the intoxicated Martinez tried to use his "get out of jail free card" (newsflash: it isn't) and political connections to evade arrest -- to no avail. Martinex pled guilty earlier this month to the felony charge, receiving a one-year deferred sentence, $1,000 in court costs, and six months of an alcohol interlock device in his vehicle.

Statutory language prohibiting legislators from holding office with a felony conviction or plea launched a disagreement between Gov. Stitt on one side, and House Speaker Charles McCall and Attorney General Gentner Drummond on the other. I feel that Stitt is in the right on this, and McCall/Drummond are not. Martinez ended the argument by going ahead and resigning (triggering a special election). Many thanks to NonDoc for good coverage on this story over the months.

Bodycam footage of arrest

Martinez Releases Statement, Resigning Office

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond, today issued the following statement saying he will resign from his legislative seat effective Sept. 1, 2023.

Pastor Dusty Deevers announces candidacy in Oklahoma Senate District 32 special election

The recent resignation of State Sen. John Michael Montgomery has triggered a special election in State Senate District 32. Six candidates - four Republican, two Democratic - filed for this seat in the Lawton area, which has been held by Republicans since 2018. The winner-take-all primary election will be October 10th, with the general election on December 12th.

One of the four Republicans is a man of stellar character and conservatism, Dusty Deevers.

Endorsements and Recommendations for the GOP Runoff

Tuesday is the Oklahoma Runoff Election, and voters all across the state will be heading to the polls to decide nominees in many different races. Below are a few of my voting picks. I know I'm just a lowly blogger, but hopefully the information in this post will be helpful with your voting plans.

If you don't know where to vote, or want to see your sample ballot, use this helpful link from the Oklahoma State Election Board to find out. Early voting continues today (8am to 6pm) and tomorrow (8am to 2pm) at your county election board.

My Picks for the 2022 Oklahoma GOP Primary

 

Tuesday is the Oklahoma Primary Election, and voters all across the state will be heading to the polls to decide nominees in many different races. Hopefully the information in this post will be helpful with your voting plans.

If you don't know where to vote, or want to see your sample ballot, use this helpful link from the Oklahoma State Election Board to find out.

Below are a few of my voting picks. Work and other commitments prevented me from getting into more detail on most of these races, but here are some basic thoughts.

Rick Perry endorses Scott Pruitt for Senate

Former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt is touting an endorsement from former Texas Governor Rick Perry for Pruitt's Senate campaign. Both men served in the Trump administration - Pruitt as EPA Administrator, and Perry as Secretary of Energy.

BatesLine: don't vote yet - conservatives need to consolidate to get a candidate in the runoff

Michael Bates, the bonafide "elder statesman" of Oklahoma's conservative blogosphere (with a blog dating back to 2003), is out with an informational mega-post on the GOP Senate primary for the seat being vacated mid-tern by Jim Inhofe. In it, Bates presents some basic details about the candidates, along with links to campaign sites and further information.

Bates makes the case that absentee voters, especially conservatives, should hold off on picking a candidate just yet:

Senate candidate Dr. Randy Grellner puts $786k into ads

Dr. Randy Grellner of Cushing is one of the 13 Republican candidates seeking to replace retiring U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe. Amid the crowded field, I missed any news about his candidacy, until my wife saw his campaign represented at a local event. Somewhat ashamed that I had no recollection of his candidacy (haha!), I checked out his website, only to find out that he was dropping an astounding $786,000 on a media buy.

What?!

It's not often that a no-name, no-news candidate drops three quarters of a million dollars on a TV ad.

Alex Gray launches his first TV ad of Senate campaign

U.S. Senate candidate Alex Gray is out with his first TV ad, touting his experience as a senior national security advisor for President Trump and name-dropping some prominent past and present conservative Republican officials to draw positive parallels with himself. Gray is one of 13 Republicans seeking to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe.

Poll: Lankford, Stitt with huge majorities, Mullin ahead in Senate special election

SoonerPoll is out with their latest survey of the statewide GOP primaries, and the results are pretty interesting. 

• Sen. Lankford leads his two challengers by a 7-1 margin
• Gov. Stitt leads his three challengers by a 7-1 margin
• Gentner Drummond has a large lead over Attorney General John O'Connor
• Markwayne Mullin has a substantial lead in the Inhofe special election, with T.W. Shannon clearly in second
• State Auditor Cindy Byrd has a lead, but the rest of the statewide offices are a complete jumble

News9 and NewsOn6 GOP Statewide Primary Poll

Alex Gray calls on TW Shannon to address his support for McGirt ruling

ALEX GRAY CALLS ON T.W. SHANNON TO PUBLICLY ADDRESS SHAMEFUL RECORD ON MCGIRT

Oklahoma City, OK (May 18th) – Alex Gray, former advisor to President Trump and Republican Candidate for Senate in Oklahoma, calls on his opponent, T.W. Shannon, to publicly address his support for Jimcy McGirt, sentenced to one thousand years in prison for raping a four year old girl, in the McGirt v. Oklahoma case and the resulting damage McGirt has done to the state of Oklahoma.