State of Oklahoma Archives: on Principles & Values
Abby Broyles:
At heart a journalist, but had to get off the sidelines
While I'm a lawyer, at heart I'm a journalist. I know the issues they care about because I'm here each and every day and I've been telling their stories for years. For a while I thought this is what I was meant to do.
But watching what was happening and realizing nothing was changing I decided to get off the sidelines and get in there myself to fight for people in a way I hadn't before.
Source: The Claremore Daily Progress on 2020 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 18, 2020
Abby Broyles:
AdWatch: Incumbent Inhofe misses votes; not up for the job
Inhofe's latest TV ad features a folksy narrator listing his character attributes before shifting to a darker tone. The dangers of liberals, progressives and socialists are also extolled. The ad closes with an ominous message: "Serving us is Jim's
life. Keeping [Socialist] wolves far from Oklahoma's borders." Though Broyles isn't mentioned by name, it's implied she and other progressive Democrats like her are a danger to Oklahoma.
"I don't know much about her other than being pretty extreme,"
Inhofe said. "It's something she wants very badly. What her motive is, I don't know. I don't care. It's just that hers is not a philosophy that is really consistent with me or the people of Oklahoma, judging from past elections."
Broyles' most recent
TV ad fires back, panning Inhofe for being in elected office for 53 years and missing votes in the Senate. "He just can't do it anymore," says an upbeat narrator. "It's obvious to everyone but him that he's just not up for the job."
Source: Nondoc.com Adwatch on 2020 Oklahoma Senate race
Sep 22, 2020
Andrew Rice:
I pride myself on doing right, even if politically unpopular
Elected to the state Senate in 2006, Rice said he was able to work with Republicans when the Senate makeup was divided equally, 24 to 24. He would use that same approach in
Washington, he said. “I pride myself on doing what is right for my district and for the state of Oklahoma, whether it’s politically popular or not,” Rice said.
Source: 2008 Oklahoma Senate Debate reported in The Oklahoman
Oct 15, 2008
Chris Powell:
Protect freedom to not have religiosity forced upon
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Keep God in the public sphere"?
A: Neither - Religious freedom must be protected but this includes protecting the freedom of individuals to not have religiosity forced upon them by government.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Brad Carson:
Coburn is a strong Christian man, a good family man
COBURN: Carson is a very bright, intellectually smart and advanced young man. He carries himself well, he represents Oklahoma well, and I admire not only his education, (but also) his upbringing and his family.CARSON: I know many people in Muskogee,
which is the heart of this district that we’ve both represented and where Coburn lives. Whether they agree or disagree with his politics, they will say he is a strong Christian man, a good family man and that’s the highest praise anyone can give.
Source: OK Senate Debate, on ChannelOklahoma.com
Oct 21, 2004
Drew Edmondson:
Condemned with IFFY award for running "Issue-Free" campaign
OnTheIssues attempted and failed to compile the issue stances of this candidate--which means the candidate actively sought to hide issue stances from the internet, the news media, and the voters. OnTheIssues undertook due diligence--including writing to
the campaign--and got no response. We will eventually infer the candidate's issue stances from a future voting record--but voters should demand to know about the candidate's stance on their favorite issues (and then send them to us!)
We consider "issue-free campaigners" to be untrustworthy of holding elected office--the IFFY award means they are "iffy" officeholders. KGOU's Trevor Brown reported that the sole one-hour debate on Sept. 24 "waded into social issues, including
abortion, parental rights and gun control. Neither candidate, however, seemed to want to press these issues as campaign focal points." Edmondson's opponent, however, has made public his stances on those three issues (and more), while Edmondson has not.
Source: IFFY disendorsement in 2018 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race
Oct 31, 2018
Ervin Yen:
Reason for running: state's lack of response to COVID
On COVID: "The No. 1 reason I'm doing this," Yen told Tulsa public radio's KWGS, "is the state's lack of response to this COVID virus. In my opinion, the state is not doing anything about it. They did back in the spring when everything was shut down,
and that made sense, but now we are not doing anything."Every day I see these deaths and it just ticks me off more. This is horrible. We have to do something."
Source: The Journal Record on 2022 Oklahoma gubernatorial race
Nov 12, 2020
Ervin Yen:
I have not changed; the Republican Party has
A Republican gubernatorial candidate renounced his political party and said he plans to challenge Gov. Kevin Stitt as an independent. Yen criticized the Oklahoma Republican Party's opposition to COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates and dismissed
conservative conspiracy theories about widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, baseless claims that have been debunked. "The Oklahoma GOP has left me," Yen said in a news release. "I have not changed; the Party has."
Source: Tulsa World on 2022 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race
Jan 22, 2022
Gary Richardson:
Freedom to work & worship free of government interference
To me, the word "Liberty" speaks of a state of being free from oppressive restrictions, regardless of who is behind the oppressive conduct. This leaves one with the ability to enjoy that which life has to offer, be it social, political, economical
rights, privileges and/or spiritual. As for government, I will always stand on the side of liberty and work to ensure that Oklahomans have the freedom to work, speak, and worship free of government interference.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org
May 2, 2017
Gary Richardson:
Got 14% of the vote as Independent in 2002 Governor's race
It will be interesting to see if Republicans have forgiven--or even remember--Richardson's role in the 2002 gubernatorial election. Many Republicans blamed Richardson's entry in that race as an independent for Democrat Brad Henry's surprise victory.
In fact, a lot of the polling at the time indicated Richardson's populist message pulled as many votes from Henry as it did from GOP nominee Steve Largent.
Richardson's campaign message is very similar to the one he employed in 2002, when he received 14 percent of the vote.
Richardson has attacked the Republican-led Legislature's attempts to increase revenue through what amount to fee and tax increases, and vowed to eliminate the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.
Source: Tulsa World on 2018 Oklahoma governor race
Jul 30, 2017
James Inhofe:
Flying is his passion, but lost his son in plane accident
Q: For Senator Jim Inhofe, flying is his passion. He got his pilot license as a young man, and he is known to fly himself to campaign events. That skill, he says, got him into the US Senate. A love passed down to his son Perry. But last month, a family
tradition turned tragic. Perry Inhofe crashed while flying a twin engine plane outside Tulsa. He was one day short of his 52nd birthday. He had a lot of training just like you?INHOFE: He had a lot more training than me. My other son and I are not
quite as meticulous as Perry has always been about flying by the numbers, doing everything right. He was 100%.
Q: When you go through this kind of personal loss, you recognize that you've got some support around you. Talk a little bit about that.
INHOFE: I have gotten at least as many communications from some of my Democrat friends. And so something like this happens, and all of a sudden, the old barriers that were there, the old differences, those things that keep us apart just disappear.
Source: Meet the Press 2013, on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Dec 22, 2013
James Inhofe:
Judeo-Christian values established our government framework
Question topic: Efforts to bring Islamic law (shariah) to America do not pose a threat to our country and its Constitution.Inhofe: Disagree
Question topic: Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Inhofe: Strongly Agree.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
James Inhofe:
AdWatch: Keep Socialist wolves far from Oklahoma's borders
Inhofe's latest TV ad features a folksy narrator listing his character attributes before shifting to a darker tone. The dangers of liberals, progressives and socialists are also extolled; "Some want Big Brother to grow bigger. Those people are called
Socialists; liberals; progressives. They are not called Oklahomans." The ad closes with an ominous message: "Serving us is Jim's life. Keeping wolves far from Oklahoma's borders." Though [Democratic nominee Abby] Broyles isn't mentioned by name, it's
implied she and other progressive Democrats like her are a danger to Oklahoma.
"I don't know much about her other than being pretty extreme," Inhofe said. "It's something she wants very badly. What her motive is, I don't know. I don't care. It's just
that hers is not a philosophy that is really consistent with me or the people of Oklahoma, judging from past elections."
Broyles' most recent TV ad fires back, panning Inhofe for being in elected office for 53 years and missing votes in the Senate.
Source: Nondoc.com Adwatch on 2020 Oklahoma Senate race
Sep 22, 2020
James Lankford:
A conservative committed to God, Family and the Constitution
James Lankford is a strong conservative and servant leader who is committed to God, Family and the Constitution. James has worked diligently, studying each issue and its direct impact on the family and people. While remaining passionate about life and
traditional family values, James has become a strong voice for fiscal discipline and accountability in the federal government. He has emerged as a leader in fighting government regulations that are suffocating business and weakening the economy.
The most basic right to have a faith and to live by your faith is even facing renewed challenges.
Will you stand with me to pray for the future of our nation? We can and should work to make things better, but ultimately our nation is in God's hands.
I am asking you to stand up, speak out, and push back. Not with anger, but with steadfast love. Love for our great nation. You will receive occasional action alerts to lift our nation, our elected officials, and each other up in prayer.
Source: 2021 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JamesLankford.com
Jun 21, 2021
James Lankford:
The hope of the earth is not government, but God
We pray with you for our nation and the direction of our country. The hope of the earth is not government, but God. Government cannot fix families, restore a broken culture or heal the lonely isolation of so many individuals.
Stronger families and stronger churches meet the needs of people far better than a strong government. In the days ahead, I pray our nation remembers and lives our national motto, In God We Trust.
Source: 2021 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JamesLankford.com
Jun 21, 2021
Joe Maldonado:
Keep God in the public sphere
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Keep God in the public sphere"?
A: Yes.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Joan Farr:
Enough lawyers in Congress; she's a regular person
A good Christian lawyer is really hard to find, but we have enough lawyers in Congress. Did you know that the original 13th Amendment stated that NO lawyer would hold public office? It was the intent of our
Founding Fathers that regular people should be elected to Congress. Joan has never been a lawyer, but she's had 40+ years of experience, education and observation of our legal system.
Joan continues to fight against arrogance, oppression and retaliation by career politicians in both parties.She is running in both
Kansas and Oklahoma since she has a residence in both states, hoping to get into office in at least one of them!
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JoanFarr.com
Jul 19, 2021
Joan Farr:
Bible should trump any of our laws
I think when it comes to disputes over the law, we should not contradict the Bible. Our country was founded on Christian principles and they need to remain.
The Bible has stood for 2,000 years and these laws should trump any of our laws which have stood for only 200 years.
There may be a separation of church and state, but we should not have a separation of faith and state. Christianity is faith in God, it is not a religion.
We should keep the Ten Commandments on our halls of justice and add the two that Jesus gave us: "Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. "
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JoanFarr.com
Jul 19, 2021
Joan Farr:
If Jesus was alive he wouldn't be a member of either party
Joan was a Republican for a long time and then was a "God-driven independent" for 11 years. Joan ultimately decided that if Jesus was alive, he wouldn't be a member of either party, and that is why she was registered as an Independent for so long.
However, after seeing all of the fraud that occurred to cause President Trump to lose, she switched back to Republican in November 2020 to support him.
She believes that the problems in Congress all boil down to the Bible verse that says "You can't serve God and money"--you can't have two masters.
In general, the people in America want to serve God but the government serves money. Therein lies the problem, which is why she feels we need more true Christians in office.
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JoanFarr.com
Jul 19, 2021
Joy Hofmeister:
Lifelong Republican became Democrat to challenge incumbent
State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister is running for governor--as a Democrat. The 57-year-old lifelong Republican is changing her party registration in order to launch a bid to unseat Republican incumbent
Kevin Stitt. "Gov. Stitt is running the state into the ground," said Hofmeister. "Through extremism, partisanship, ineffective leadership, he is hurting our education system, our health care, our infrastructure.
Source: Tulsa World on 2022 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race
Jan 22, 2022
Joy Hofmeister:
Throughout my life, I've valued hard work and perseverance
Throughout my life, I've valued hard work and perseverance. When I was a child, with the help of committed teachers, I worked to overcome the challenges of living with dyslexia and now am proud to be an advocate for dyslexia awareness.
As a young adult, I faced the uncertainty of dropping out of college, only to later graduate at the top of my class at Texas Christian University with a degree in education.
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Gubernatorial campaign website JoyForOK.com
Jul 19, 2021
Joy Hofmeister:
Tried to bar religious discrimination in scholarship program
The LNH law includes a provision mandating that participating private schools cannot discriminate "on the ground of race, color, or national origin." During the administration of Hofmeister, the Department of Education rewrote regulations to
also bar discrimination based on sexual orientation and religious affiliation. The regulations effectively required religious schools to hire atheists as teachers and/or abandon student code-of-conduct requirements regarding sexuality and marriage.
Source: Council of Public Affairs on 2022 Oklahoma Governor race
Jun 28, 2022
Kendra Horn:
I fundamentally believe in public service
"Why I am running is because I feel like there are more things that unite us than divide us," Horn told Oklahoma Gazette. "We need representation that is going to rise above partisan politics and the divisiveness in the current conversation.
I fundamentally believe in public service. It's what calls to me. It's one of the reasons I've done all that I've done. When looking at this seat and this state and knowing the needs, it's time for somebody to stand up."
Source: Oklahoma Gazette on 2018 OK-5 House race
Jul 12, 2017
Kendra Horn:
Most are a little left of center, a little right of center
[On political philosophy] "I think there's a misperception that if you're not extreme, you're not standing up for things," she said. "The way that we consume [media] now, it drives these people who are the flamethrowers, who are going to say the most
outlandish things, who can speak to one constituency." She added, "Most of us live somewhere a little left of center, a little right of center."
Source: The Nation magazine on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Feb 18, 2020
Kendra Horn:
My faith has always been something more personal to me
The public demonstration of her faith marked a transformation of sorts for Horn, a 42-year-old native Oklahoman who grew up Southern Baptist but said she fell in love with the Episcopal Church's "combination of intellect and liturgy" as an adult. "My
faith has always been something more personal to me, so it has been an interesting journey working on sharing that and my expression of it," Horn said in an interview with Religion News Service before the prayer service.
Source: Religion News Service on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Feb 18, 2020
Kendra Horn:
Voted to condemn Trump's racist tweets at minority members
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to condemn President Trump's "racist" tweets about four Democratic lawmakers of color. Oklahoma Democrat Kendra Horn joined her colleagues in condemning him. Horn posted on Facebook following her vote, saying she
is "troubled by the remarks of the President," which she described as below the office of the Presidency.[OTI editorial note citing KTUL from 7/15/19: Trump had said that four progressive Democratic congresswomen should "go back and help fix the
totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Trump declined to identify which members he was talking about in his Sunday morning tweets, other than Rep. Ilhan Omar, but he appeared to be referring to the freshman Democrats known
as "the Squad": Omar, D-Minn., Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced the House would vote on a resolution denouncing Trump's tweets."
Source: KTUL ABC-8 on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Jul 17, 2019
Kevin Stitt:
Americans are moving to states that value freedom
Across the country, huge numbers of Americans are moving to states that value freedom and trust their citizens to make choices for themselves. There has never been a bigger difference between a red state and a blue state.
Freedom-loving Americans cannot escape liberal lockdown states fast enough. Since April 2020, more than 27,000 of them have moved to Oklahoma.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 7, 2022
Luke Holland:
America is the greatest country on earth
Luke is a conservative fourth generation Oklahoman who believes America is the greatest country on earth. He understands that unlike any time in our great history, the United States faces perilous enemies who come from both outside and inside our
borders. An emboldened Communist China and radical left-wing socialists will stop at nothing to destroy what makes America great and the Christian values on which it was founded. "Unlike at any time in our great history, the
United States faces perilous enemies who come from both inside and outside our borders. Radical left-wing socialists want to defund law enforcement and undo the basic American principles of freedom and opportunity.
Their extreme agenda will only embolden Communist China, who wants to replace the United States as the world leader."
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website LukeHolland.com
Mar 24, 2022
Madison Horn:
A tribal citizen of the sovereign Cherokee Nation
From the small farm town of Stilwell, Oklahoma and as a Cherokee Nation tribal citizen, Madison has built a career within cybersecurity as a respected and trusted servant-leader. She has worked her way from a place where 68% of women are unemployed,
with limited access to technology, to being a global cybersecurity leader with a decade of experience.- Work to restore the relationship between the state of Oklahoma and the sovereign nations
-
Develop joint co-ops with the tribal nations and the federal government to foster collaboration
- Advocate for universally recognized and supported tribal sovereignty
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Emphasize joint partnerships to expand educational and health resources
- Promote community outreach through tribal leadership and members
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website MadisonHorn.com
Aug 24, 2022
Madison Horn:
Counter partisan extremism; seek bipartisan solutions
- Counter partisan extremism that has made it a challenge addressing the issues everyday Americans are facing.
- Engage with individuals from all backgrounds and seek bipartisan solutions to issues
- Establish stronger accountability and
transparency to ethics laws for legislators spreading misinformation
- Strengthen and enforce legislation against partisan gerrymandering and electoral corruption
- Support reducing the influence and flow of money in politics
-
Enforce a code of ethics that holds legislators accountable for the spread of harmful rhetoric and disinformation
- Reestablish the focus on solving problems verses the focus on scoring political points or winning the next election
-
Promote a leadership focused on being a public servant verses the new standard of leading with ego and self-interest
- Concentrate efforts to work in a bipartisan manner on issues, instead of polarizing issues for party influence
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website MadisonHorn.com
Aug 24, 2022
Mick Cornett:
God and church are main components of his value system
Mick is considered nationally to be 'the most conservative big city mayor in the country.' He is pro-life and a defender of the second amendment.
Mick and his wife, Terri, attend Skyline Church, a non-denominational Bible church in Oklahoma City. Terri calls Mick, "the most Godly man I know."
Source: 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial campaign website Mick2018.com
Jul 4, 2018
Nathan Dahm:
We need Proven Republican Fighters, like Trump
I'm running for the United States Senate because, like you, I am tired of the spineless politicians who turned their backs on President Donald J. Trump. We need Proven Republican Fighters, and I've proven I'll never back down. When I served as a
Christian missionary, I saw the ills of communism first hand. When I returned from the Eastern bloc, I immediately knew America was in trouble. The same socialism I had experienced overseas was now working at destroying our country.
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website DahmForSenate.com
Jul 19, 2021
Nathan Dahm:
Require reading of historic Thanksgiving proclamations
"It's important that students and all future generations understand the value of Thanksgiving," Dahm said. "Some of these proclamations date back all the way to our founding fathers and have serious historical significance that should be explored."
The new bill requires students to read, or have read to them, five Thanksgiving proclamations. The first of these proclamations is dated back to December 18, 1777, in which the Continental Congress thanked "Almighty God."
Source: State Senate press release on 2022 Oklahoma U.S. Senate race
Nov 24, 2021
Nathan Dahm:
Filed resolution declaring 2020 "Year of the Bible"
Legislation filed by Dahm would declare 2020 the "Year of the Bible." Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 would recognize the unique contribution the Bible has made, including that biblical teachings inspired civil government concepts found in the
Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. "We have turned away from the foundational principles and truths that established our country," Dahm said. "This resolution allows us to recognize the influence the Bible has on our land."
Source: State Senate press release on 2022 Oklahoma U.S. Senate race
Jan 13, 2020
Nathan Dahm:
Proposed renaming part of Route 66 "Trump Highway"
Dahm and Sen. Marty Quinn have filed Senate Bill 1089 to create the President Donald J. Trump highway on world famous Route 66. "President Trump has done an outstanding job on behalf of our nation and Oklahoma," Dahm said. "We feel like this
is a perfect opportunity to commemorate the great impact his leadership has had on improving the economy and bringing jobs and commerc
Source: State Senate press release on 2022 Oklahoma U.S. Senate race
Nov 5, 2019
Nathan Dahm:
Switched from challenging incumbent to running for open seat
It was one in, one out as the field of contenders for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by Jim Inhofe continued to take shape. Out was Mayor G.T. Bynum. In was state Sen. Nathan Dahm, who said he is shifting his campaign from a challenge to incumbent
Sen. James Lankford to the special election for the vacant seat. Dahm, who began his U.S. Senate campaign in September, said he believed all along that he would be competing for an open seat.
Source: Tulsa World on 2022 Oklahoma U.S. Senate race
Aug 16, 2013
Scott Pruitt:
Resigned from EPA in 2018 amid several ethics scandals
Pruitt stepped down as EPA administrator in 2018 amid a wave of ethics scandals, including living in a bargain-priced Capitol Hill condo tied to an energy lobbyist. He faced ethics investigations into pricey trips with first-class airline seats
and unusual security spending, including a $43,000 soundproof booth for making private phone calls. He demanded 24-hour-a-day protection from armed officers, resulting in a 20-member security detail that racked up expenses of more than $3m.
Source: The Guardian on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Apr 15, 2022
Scott Pruitt:
A Christian worldview means God has answers to our problems
Pruitt is a former trustee with the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he says his faith forms the foundation of his politics. "A Christian worldview means that God has answers to our problems," said Pruitt, according to the
seminary's website. "And part of our responsibility is to convey to those in society that the answers that he has, as represented in Scripture, are important and should be followed, because they lead to freedom and liberty."
Source: National Public Radio on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
May 1, 2018
Scott Pruitt:
Fought removing 10 Commandments display from state Capitol
When Pruitt became Oklahoma's attorney general after the 2010 election, he continued to pursue many of these priorities. He fought a move by Oklahoma's
Supreme Court to remove a public display of the Ten Commandments at the state Capitol, and he joined a lawsuit against the federal government over the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate.
Source: National Public Radio on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
May 1, 2018
T.W. Shannon:
People stormed the Capitol because of rigged election
T.W. Shannon, a bank CEO and former Oklahoma Speaker of the House, falsely equated the riot to the racial justice protests that occurred over the summer, and echoed Trump's spurious claim that the election
was "rigged." "The reason that people stormed the Capitol was because they felt hopeless because of a rigged election," Shannon said.
Source: Time magazine on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Feb 26, 2021
T.W. Shannon:
Rights are endowed by God, not by politicians
The men who wrote our Constitution were very clear about where those rights come from. They said we are "endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights".They didn't say we are endowed by our government. They didn't say we are endowed by the
courts. And they didn't say we are endowed by politicians.
You see, the freedoms and rights we have as Americans are recognized in our Constitution as coming from God.
That is the firm foundation on which our nation is founded. At the core of those rights is that which the human heart desires most:
- Freedom.
- Freedom to worship.
- Freedom to speak your mind.
- Freedom to live as you choose and pursue any
dream you have.
I used to believe our freedom was so deeply woven into the fabric of this country, that nothing could ever put it at risk. But over the past six years, much has changed.
Source: Fundraising press release on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 29, 2014
T.W. Shannon:
Will remain as Speaker during Senate primary
Oklahoma's Republican House Speaker T.W. Shannon told colleagues Tuesday that he will run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated early by U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn but remain speaker "for the time being.""I want you to know that I will remain Speaker for
the time being. I am not stepping down immediately because I want to ensure a smooth transition that does not disrupt the important business of the state, nor distract from the legislative goals of our caucus," Shannon wrote.
Shannon, who previously
worked as congressional field director for former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts and current U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, was first elected to the Oklahoma House in 2006. He was the first Republican to represent District 62.
He won a close race for House speaker with
the help of the Republican caucus' right wing, and he has staked out several conservative positions that occasionally rankle GOP leaders in the state Senate and governor's office.
Source: Associated Press on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 29, 2014
T.W. Shannon:
Recovering attorney with JD from Oklahoma City University
Shannon, who earned his bachelor's degree at Cameron University and a law degree from Oklahoma City University, has jokingly described himself as a "recovering attorney"
who currently works as a public relations and human resources consultant. He previously worked as chief administrative officer for Chickasaw Nation Industries.
Source: Associated Press on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 29, 2014
T.W. Shannon:
AdWatch: I'm guided by my faith; let's renew our values
Shannon: "My grandparents brought our family to this church more than a half-century ago. This is where I learned my values and developed my faith."Narrator: "T.W. Shannon is a sixth-generation Oklahoman. T.W. is guided by his faith. Raised by working
class parents, T.W. Shannon learned that success comes from hard work, not hand-outs. And it's those values T.W. and his wife, Devon, are teaching their two kids.
Shannon: "Washington, D.C., is broken, and our government is out of control.
Generations to come will inherit crippling debt, limitless spending, and a health care system run by bureaucrats, not doctors and patients. I still believe we are one nation under God, and with his favor we can save our country. If conservatives here in
Oklahoma and across America will unite and send the right leaders to Washington, we can restore prosperity. We can renew our values. And we can reclaim our destiny. With conservative leadership, we can fix what's wrong with our country.
Source: OnTheIssues AdWatch on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Mar 4, 2014
T.W. Shannon:
The radical left hates America; I love this country
The radical left hates America and everything it stands for. However, I love this country, and I will fight to preserve it for future generations.
America is the land of systemic freedom and opportunity. It is not too late to Save America, but I need your help.
Source: 2022 Oklahoma Senate campaign website tw4ok.com
Mar 23, 2022
T.W. Shannon:
Started as staff assistant, became Inhofe's chief of staff
He began as a staff assistant in Inhofe's office and worked in the mailroom all the way back in 2009. He would eventually move up in positions and manage a wide array of responsibilities over topics like aviation, environmental, and energy policies for
Inhofe. By 2017, he became Inhofe's chief of staff. Holland has coordinated with representatives from many industries, staff from various offices, and even the White House as part of his duties. Holland accepted Inhofe's endorsement.
Source: KJRH on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Feb 25, 2022
T.W. Shannon:
Single because the Lord hasn't provided the right woman yet
Public records show Holland was registered to vote at his parents' home address in Bartlesville until recently, when he purchased a Brookside bungalow in June. He is now registered to vote in Tulsa.
At Friday's press conference, Holland described himself as "a Jesus guy who goes to a Baptist church" and said he is single because "the Lord hasn't provided the right woman yet for me."
Source: Tulsa World on 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Feb 27, 2022
Tom Coburn:
Carson is very bright, intellectually smart and advanced
COBURN: Carson is a very bright, intellectually smart and advanced young man. He carries himself well, he represents Oklahoma well, and I admire not only his education, (but also) his upbringing and his family.CARSON: I know many people in Muskogee,
which is the heart of this district that we've both represented and where Coburn lives. Whether they agree or disagree with his politics, they will say he is a strong Christian man, a good family man and that's the highest praise anyone can give.
Source: OK Senate Debate, on ChannelOklahoma.com
Oct 21, 2004
Tom Coburn:
Authored Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform
Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform- Fiscal Responsibility: State agencies must be subjected to regular, independent fiscal and performance audits, no less than every 4 years.
- Limited Government: Focus on four basic areas: public safety, transportation
and infrastructure, education, and a safety net for the most vulnerable.
- Structural Reform: transform and eliminate governmental dysfunction, duplication and corruption.
- Fair Taxation: Tax people in the least-burdensome way [including] no income
taxes of any kind.
- Free-Market Environment: Encourage stronger market forces in health care, education, and other sectors, with less picking of winners and losers by government.
- Criminal Justice System Reform: Keep citizens safe but don't lock
people up unnecessarily. Oklahoma can't afford the bankrupting costs and social dysfunction that go with leading the nation in the rate of incarceration.
- State Sovereignty: Provide a barrier between Oklahomans and Federal overreach.
Source: OKTaxpayersUnite press release: 2018 Oklahoma Senate race
Jul 4, 2018
James Lankford:
Questioned 2020 election but after Jan. 6, certified Biden
In December 2020, incumbent Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford raised vague concerns about possible fraud in voting and in other states' vote-counting processes. In January 2021, Lankford cited "reports of problems with voting machines, people voting twice,
non-residents voting in a state, or people mysteriously voting after their death months or years before"--though such issues were very rare and did not affect the outcome.After a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, Lankford
abandoned his plan to object to the certification of Biden victories. But Lankford later continued to express doubts about the legitimacy of Biden's victory. He told CNN in July 2021: "Biden is the constitutional President. No question about that. Are
there questions that are still hanging out there? Yes." When asked if those questions would have changed the outcome, he responded, "There is no way to know because we can't get a full answer to some of them. I just want all the questions answered."
Source: CNN on 2020 Election Denial in 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Sep 15, 2022
Markwayne Mullin:
Absurd to think that Biden got most votes in 2020
Asked in an August 2022 debate if he thought the 2020 election was a lie and Trump won, Mullin responded by baselessly rejecting the verified fact that Biden earned more votes than any previous presidential candidate. Mullin said: "It's gonna be very
hard to convince me that Joe Biden received more votes than any other president in history. It is absolutely absurd to think that's even possible."
Mullin voted in 2021 to object to the congressional certification of Biden's victories in Pennsylvania and Arizona. He tweeted at the time that he was objecting "due to all the fraud and uncertainty," though there was and is
no evidence of fraud even close to widespread enough to have changed the outcome. Two days prior to the vote, he told constituents that he "absolutely" did not think the election was honest.
Source: CNN on 2020 Election Denial in 2022 Oklahoma Senate race
Sep 15, 2022
Kevin Stitt:
We have brought the American Dream back to Oklahoma
Today, families and businesses from New York and Chicago and L.A. pack up their little apartments and come to the open plains of Oklahoma,- Ready to enjoy a safe community,
- A government that doesn't get in their way,
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And the opportunity to chase their American Dream.
- Because that's what we've done. We have brought the American Dream back to Oklahoma.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 6, 2023
Kevin Stitt:
The Oklahoma Dream: free enterprise and individual liberties
I see Oklahomans who take seriously the commandment to care for the widow and orphan. A state where family values are foundational. A state where our communities are safe. The Oklahoma Standard is alive and well and we are thriving as a state.
But we can't let our success make us complacent and forget what made the Oklahoma Dream possible: free enterprise and individual liberties. Not more government programs.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 5, 2024
Kevin Stitt:
As for me and my state, we will serve the Lord!
I want to declare:- As for me and my state, we will serve the Lord!
- I'm calling on our businesses to serve God in the marketplace.
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Our churches to serve God and people in our communities.
- Our government officials to serve God by acting righteously and serving without partiality.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 5, 2024
Kevin Stitt:
We have to have the courage to fight for the American Dream
It's conservative policies that protect the American dream in Oklahoma. But what is the American dream? On its face, it's the ability to have a family, own a home, have a good job, and build the life you want. It springs from the belief
that with hard work and resilience you can accomplish anything God puts on your heart. But the American Dream is not guaranteed. We have to have the courage to fight for it.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 3, 2025
Charles McCall:
America is the greatest nation known to mankind
America is the greatest nation known to mankind. But our freedom is now under attack. The left and outside forces are waging war on our way of life. They assault our faith and values. They try to destroy our families, our jobs, and radicalize
our schools. I believe that when liberals attack American values, they're attacking Oklahoma values too. And I'm ready to lead the fight to keep our state free and strong.
Source: 2026 Gubernatorial campaign website McCallForOklahoma.com
Aug 11, 2025
Charles McCall:
I truly believe God put Trump back in the White House
That is why, after deep prayer and heartfelt conversations with Stephanie and our sons, and the urging of others, I have officially filed to run for Governor of Oklahoma. I truly believe God put
President Trump back in the White House to save our great country, and I am going to do everything I can alongside him to Make America Great Again and Keep Oklahoma Great. There is no time to waste.
Source: 2026 Gubernatorial campaign website McCallForOklahoma.com
Aug 11, 2025
Cyndi Munson:
1st Asian-American woman elected to the Oklahoma Legislature
Elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in September of 2015, Cyndi became the first Asian-American woman elected to the Oklahoma Legislature. As the Minority Leader she led the bipartisan effort to repeal the state sales tax on
groceries, provided tax relief to everyday Oklahomans, fought for increased funding for public schools, stood up to insurance companies, and more. Cyndi has fought against the most extreme measures in the Legislature.
Source: 2026 Oklahoma Gubernatorial campaign website CyndiMunson.com
Aug 13, 2025
Markwayne Mullin:
Warns of teaching Bible by non-believer schoolteachers
Mullin, who sits on the Senate committee that oversees education, said that he wants his kids to know the Bible, "but I want it to be taught by someone that was taught the Bible themselves, too.
I think it's a slippery slope when you put it in the hands of teachers that may not be believers, that's going to be teaching the word that can easily be taken out of context."
Source: The Hill, "Bible," on 2026 Oklahoma Senate race
Nov 20, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026