State Treasurer Todd Russ announces campaign for re-election

State Treasurer Todd Russ Announces Re-Election Bid

(Wednesday, June 4th, 2025) State Treasurer Todd Russ announced today that he is running for a second term in 2026. Russ, a Republican, was elected in 2022 with 65 percent of the vote, sweeping all 77 counties. 

“As Treasurer, I use my extensive background in banking and business, along with more than a decade of mastering the inner workings of state government, to help conservatively manage Oklahoma’s money and financial resources, significantly improving the state’s financial position,” Russ said.

“It would be my honor to continue serving the citizens of Oklahoma as their State Treasurer. My conservative values align with the vast majority of Oklahomans. I know the value of hard work and the importance of standing for Godly values and honest, ethical leadership,” Russ added.

OCPA column: ESG study highlights danger for state taxpayers

ESG study highlights danger for state taxpayers

By Jonathan Small

In recent years “environmental, social, and governance” (ESG) investing has become a prominent topic in the financial world as some large-asset managers have claimed they will now invest money based on political goals rather than the longstanding norm of maximizing returns.

Oklahoma lawmakers voted to prohibit ESG asset managers from having state contracts, arguing that ESG ultimately reduces taxpayer benefits compared to traditional investing strategies.

The law has drawn pushback, including from the managers of the Oklahoma Public Employees’ Retirement System (OPERS). But a new study, of which I am one of three co-authors, shows that lawmakers were justified in passing the law.

Gov. Stitt, Treasurer Russ celebrate Oklahoma's improved credit rating

GOVERNOR STITT, TREASURER RUSS CELEBRATE ANNOUNCEMENT OF IMPROVED CREDIT RATING

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 14, 2024) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt and Treasurer Todd Russ celebrated Oklahoma's strong financial standing after Fitch Ratings released their revised Rating Outlook, moving Oklahoma’s rating from 'Stable' to 'Positive.' Fitch Ratings becomes the third rating agency to improve Oklahoma's outlook within the last year, following Moody's and S&P.

Gov. Stitt, Treasurer Russ celebrate Oklahoma's credit outlook upgrade

GOVERNOR STITT, TREASURER RUSS CELEBRATE POSITIVE CREDIT OUTLOOK FOR OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 27, 2023) - Governor Kevin Stitt and Treasurer Todd Russ today celebrated Oklahoma's strong financial standing after Moody's Investors Service revised the state's credit outlook from stable to positive.

Small: Anti-ESG law having impact

Anti-ESG law having impact

By Jonathan Small

In recent years, state lawmakers voted to prevent state funds from being invested by entities that boycott energy production through “Environmental Social Governance” (ESG) policies.

The goal was two-fold. First, the law would keep Oklahoma taxpayer money from being used to harm the overall state economy, which remains heavily dependent on oil-and-gas production. Second, it would maximize the return on state pension fund investments, benefitting retirees.

OCPA column: Stitt's inauguration sets tone

Inauguration sets tone

By Jonathan Small

Gov. Kevin Stitt set the right tone for his second term in his inauguration speech, signaling a focus on good policy. Stitt’s agenda gives Oklahomans reason for optimism.

“It’s time to keep moving forward with big ideas and to get them across the finish line for today’s children as well as the next generation,” Stitt said.

Election Results Map: U.S. Senate, other statewide races

Earlier this week, I update my long-running Election Results Maps series with a post looking at the 2022 Oklahoma general election races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Superintendent. In this post, we'll cover the remaining statewide partisan races.

Overall, it was a Republican romp.

Amber Integrated releases poll of statewide runoff races

Amber Integrated Releases Survey of Likely GOP Run-Off Election voters

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 17th) – The Oklahoma-based public affairs firm Amber Integrated has released a survey measuring attitudes about the current political environment held by Republican voters likely to vote in the August 23 run-off elections. 

Poll: Stitt grows lead over Hofmeister, Mullin and Shannon lead Senate race, AG race getting tighter

Interesting stuff:

Amber Integrated Releases Survey on Upcoming Primary and General Elections

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma-based public affairs firm Amber Integrated has released two surveys measuring attitudes about the current political environment and the upcoming primary and general elections in Oklahoma.

Still signs bill protecting students from inappropriate material into law

Bill Protecting Students from Inappropriate Material Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20th) – A bill protecting K-12 school-aged children from access to pornographic or obscene material in schools or libraries or through online digital libraries was signed into law by the governor this week.

Rep. Russ files bill to protect schoolchildren from inappropriate material

Russ Files Bill to Protect Schoolchildren from Inappropriate Material

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell, has filed legislation that seeks to protect school-aged children from inappropriate material in school and public libraries.

House Bill 3702 would require any Oklahoma school district, charter or virtual charter school, state agency, public library, or university that offers digital or online library database resources to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade to do so only if the vendor, person, or entity providing the resources verifies that all the resources comply with the provisions of the new law.

"The protection of our children is of the utmost importance," Russ said. "Unfortunately, even though we have current state laws that define inappropriate material, we are still finding examples of this in our public school classrooms and libraries throughout the state on a regular basis. We must do a better job of safeguarding young minds from obscene material."  

Under the proposed new law, public schools, agencies, libraries and universities would be required to have safety policies and technology protections in place for K-12 students.

A user would be prohibited and prevented from sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading materials that are child pornography or obscene materials, as defined in current state statutes, or materials that depict child sexual exploitation as defined in current state statute. Filters or blocks to such materials are easily available and would be required.

State Rep. Russ files bill to give Counties more say in Marijuana Applications

Russ Files Bill to Give Counties More Say in Marijuana Applications

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell, has filed legislation for the upcoming session that will give county voters the say over who is licensed to grow marijuana within their counties.

House Bill 2989 would require applications to grow marijuana to be filed by June 30 each year in the county where the grow facility is to be located. County Commissioners would then set a date for a vote to be held every other year for applications to be approved or denied. If denied, an applicant would not be able to reapply for five years within that county. If growers operate in multiple counties, they would have to apply and be approved by voters in each county where they do business.

"Many of our rural voters did not approve the state question that resulted in the legalization of medical marijuana in our state," Russ said. "Yet they are saddled with the ill consequences. And they are facing the possibility that petitioners will place a question on a future state ballot to legalize recreational marijuana."

Since Oklahomans approved medical marijuana in 2018 with very loose regulations the number of licensed cannabis growers in the state has ballooned to more than 7,000. This far exceeds the number of licenses issued in other states such as Colorado, California or Oregon. It has taxed rural water supplies and electricity usage as well as local law enforcement, county tax assessors and others, Russ said.

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.”

State Rep. Todd Russ announces campaign for State Treasurer

Todd Russ Announces 2022 Campaign for State Treasurer

(June 29th) State Representative Todd Russ announced today that he will seek the Republican nomination for State Treasurer next year. Russ is completing his sixth term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced earlier this month he would not seek reelection.

“I am grateful for the leadership opportunities I have been given and the accomplishments during my time in the legislature.I believe my extensive background in banking and business, along with my understanding of the inner workings of state government, make me uniquely qualified to serve as Treasurer,” Russ said.

“It would be my honor to continue to serve the citizens of Oklahoma as their next State Treasurer. I hold the same conservative values as the vast majority of Oklahomans. I know the value of hard work and the importance of standing for Godly values and honest, ethical leadership,” Russ added.

Governor Stitt signs pro-life 'Heartbeat Bill'

Governor Stitt continues to tout his willingness to sign any pro-life bill that makes it to his desk. I'm more convinced than ever that the truly consistent and committed pro-life position should be to abolish abortion now and end the incremental/regulation strategy that has dominated the pro-life effort for the last five decades.

If we're willing to fight for a heartbeat bill, or requiring abortionists to be OB-GYNs, or whatever other bill fits the description of "pro-life" these days, let's [figuratively] fight for real and go for full-blown abolition.

Governor Signs Heartbeat Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Stitt this week signed a bill that will stop abortions from being performed once an unborn child is determined to have a detectable heartbeat.

House Bill 2441 by Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell, would allow for abortion only if a medical emergency exists that threatens the life of the mother.

“All life is precious and deserves to be safeguarded,” Russ said. “This law will decrease the number of abortions performed in our state and protect the lives of innocent unborn babies. I’m thankful to all who helped accomplish this.”

Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, the Senate author of the legislation, secured passage of the bill in that chamber.

"I believe life begins at conception, but with the detection of a fetal heartbeat no one can doubt that the baby in the womb is alive and must be protected.  HB 2441 will do just that,” Daniels said.  “I am grateful to the members of both chambers and to Governor Stitt for supporting this legislation.”

Minister, Paul Abner, president of the group Oklahoma Faith Leaders, was a significant advocate and voice for the faith community of Oklahoma, expressing support of this measure at the state Capitol.

"If we've learned anything during this past year, it is the value of human life. We've seen an incredible movement across the United States and the world to protect it,” Abner said. Still we continue to neglect those who have no voice - the unborn. But yesterday, Oklahoma took a huge leap toward defending the sanctity of life, as Governor Kevin Stitt signed HB 2441 into law. Thankfully, Rep. Todd Russ had the courage to introduce this legislation, commonly known as the heartbeat bill. The faith leaders whom I represent boldly supported this legislation and worked diligently to get it passed. We are incredibly grateful to all of our state legislators who helped vote this important legislation into law and stood up for life in Oklahoma.”

HB 2441 requires reasonable medical judgment to determine that a mother has a condition that so complicates her medical condition that it necessitates the abortion of her pregnancy to avert her death or serious or irreparable physical harm to her.

Todd Russ represents District 55 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes Roger Mills and Washita counties and parts of Beckham Greer and Kiowa counties.

Todd Russ Wins Special Election

Representative-elect Todd Russ

Republican Todd Russ has won the special election for State House District 55 with just under 56% of the vote, according to the unofficial election results from the Oklahoma State Election Board. The seat was open due to the recent appointment of sitting Representative Ryan McMullen to a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Democrats now hold just 39 of the 101 seats in the State House, a record low. Until 2004, the Democrat Party had controlled the House ever since statehood, minus one term in the 1920s.

Update: I was very pleased to see the State Election Board tweeting the results. If you are on Twitter, follow them at @OKelections.