By Constitution Staff

Randall University in Moore will host a public forum for the candidates for governor on February 19, 2026, in the Main Auditorium of the Barber Building on the campus. The program will begin at 7 p.m. Randall is located at 3701 South I-35 in Moore. Candidates for governor who have agreed to participate include (in alphabetical order) Gentner Drummon, Chip Keating, Charles McCall, Mike Mazzei, and Jake Merrick. They are all seeking the Republican nomination for governor. Also invited was Democrat candidate Cyndi Munson, but she declined the invitation to participate.

The candidates will be given an opportunity for opening statements before taking questions from the audience. Questions can be submitted on index cards provided by the university. Questions will be then asked by a moderator. At the conclusion of the question session, candidates will be allowed to give brief closing statements. In addition to the forum itself, candidates will be allowed to have tables with campaign literature and the opportunity to meet with the public, if they wish. This part of the program will begin at 6 p.m. The event is free, and open to the public. For more information, contact Steve Byas, a professor at the college, at 405-912-9028, or sbyas@ru.edu

2025 Oklahoma Conservative Index Correction

After we published the 2025 Oklahoma Conservative Index it was reported that we still showed Sen. Dewayne Pemberton (R-Muskogee) rather than Sen. Avery Frix (R-Muskogee). Sen. Frix replaced Pemberton following the 2024 election cycle. Senator Pemberton did not run for reelection in 2024 and former Rep. Avery Frix (R-Muskogee) filed for the open seat and won the seat since no other candidates filed. Frix gave up his former seat in the Oklahoma House in 2022 and made an unsuccessful run for the open Second District U.S. House seat. The votes on the ten bills were actually correct as shown – just not the correct name for the senator. However, the Cumulative Average did change when we transferred the historical data from when Frix was in the House. A corrected version for the Senate is posted on our website: click the box labeled “How Conservative is your legislator?” at the top of our home page at: www.oklahomaconstitution.com

FY 2025 State Revenue Surpasses Estimates

Oklahoma’s General Revenue Fund collections reached $8.7 billion in Fiscal Year 2025, finishing $224.7 million, or 2.6%, above the state’s estimate. The total was also $279.1 million, or 3.3%, higher than Fiscal Year 2024 collections. The state fiscal year starts on July 1 and ends on June 30 the following year. The Oklahoma Chief Operating Officer and OMES Director Rick Rose said the state has now exceeded revenue estimates for five straight years. “June delivered a strong finish, with several revenue categories surpassing projections,” Rose said. “This solid close provides valuable momentum as we move into FY 2026.”

Governor Stitt Voted NGA Chairman

On July 25, Gov. Kevin Stitt was elected chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA) for the 2025/2026 term. The election happened at the organization’s summer meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Stitt was selected by governors from across the country to serve as chairman of the nonpartisan organization, which represents leaders from all 50 states and five U.S. territories. In his remarks before the NGA, Stitt introduced his chair initiative, Reigniting the American Dream, calling on his fellow governors to lead a national conversation focused on opportunity, prosperity, and unity. Maryland Governor Wes Moore was elected to serve as NGA vice chair during Stitt’s term. The NGA was founded in 1908 to support bipartisan collaboration among the nation’s governors on public policy, governance, and federal-state relations.

New Governor’s Mansion Proposed

On August 28 the Capitol Preservation Commission approved plans for the construction of a new Executive Mansion on the grounds of the present Mansion. A private foundation obtained $6 million in commitments for contributions for the new residence in 2022. If the project proceeds, the new residence is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, just in time for occupancy by the next governor who will be elected on November 3, 2026. The new mansion would serve as the residence for the governor and the current mansion would still be used for meetings, meals with dignitaries and elected officials, and other official functions. It will also be available for tours and could serve as a place for dignitaries to stay overnight. The current 14,000-square-foot Governor’s Mansion was constructed in 1928 and underwent a $2 million renovation in 2021. On September 4, state Rep. Andy Fugate (D-Del City) requested a formal opinion from the Attorney on whether the new governor’s mansion can be constructed using private funds without legislative approval.

Law Banning Gender Transition Procedures Upheld

On August 6, the federal Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Oklahoma’s law prohibiting gender transition procedures on children under the age of 18. Senate Bill 613, authored by Sen. Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville), and Rep. Toni Hasenbeck (R-Elgin) was enacted in 2023. It prohibits medications designed to delay or suppress puberty and surgical procedures that alter or remove physical or anatomical characteristics or features that are typical for the individual’s biological sex. It was one of the ten bills included on our 2023 Oklahoma Conservative Index rating state legislators. The court found the state has a legitimate interest in restricting these procedures to preserve the health and welfare of its minor citizens. The Tenth Circuit’s opinion comes after the U.S. Supreme Court in June affirmed Tennessee’s law in United States v. Skrmetti ruling that states have the authority to regulate and ban gender transition procedures for minors.

“Obscene” Drag Shows Declared Illegal

In September, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a binding Opinion declaring “obscene” drag show performances in the presence of children or in a public place illegal. “Oklahoma law has changed to ban these types of performances in front of minors, and I have issued a binding opinion that describes clear red lines for when such a display goes from free speech to a punishable crime.” Sen. Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville) asked for the opinion following the passage of House Bill 1217, which became effective in May. Rep. Kevin West (R-Moore) and Sen. David Bullard (R-Durant) were the authors. It was one of the ten bills included on our 2025 Oklahoma Conservative Index rating state legislators. Drummond’s Opinion notes that whether the drag show is considered “obscene” under the law is “fact specific.”

“Whether a performance contains obscene material requires an analysis of the specific nature of the performance, its content, and its purpose, as well as consideration of the performance in light of relevant community standards,” the Opinion states. The Opinion goes on to describe detailed statutory definitions of “obscene material” and “sexual conduct,” and includes analysis of relevant Supreme Court precedent. Drummond said he plans to issue guidance to law enforcement throughout the state in order to assist their efforts to protect children from being subjected to any obscene material or sexual conduct.

State Employees Must End Remote Work

In an 8-1 decision on September 9, the Oklahoma Supreme Court backed Gov. Kevin Stitt’s executive order requiring state employees to return to their state offices. State Rep. Andy Fugate (D-Oklahoma City) had filed a lawsuit attempting to preserve the COVID-era remote work policies allowing state employees to work from home. Governor Stitt issued the order in December 2024 requiring state employees to return to the office. The order included some exceptions for part-time state employees, employees with irregular hours, and agencies facing physical office constraints that would require additional spending to accommodate employees. “Rep. Fugate spent months trying to stand in the way of common sense,” said Governor Stitt. “Taxpayers deserve to know their public servants are back at work, delivering the services they pay for and not hiding behind Zoom calls. Today’s ruling makes it clear that a partisan lawsuit will not stop us from holding state government accountable to Oklahomans.”

Salary Increase for Judges Proposed

In September, the Board of Judicial Compensation recommended that Oklahoma judges receive a 17.58% pay hike. Oklahoma has 277 trial and appellate judges. The board meets to make recommendations for judicial compensation every two years. If approved by lawmakers, the proposed hike would mean the Oklahoma Supreme Court chief justice would earn $233,062 a year while district judges would make $197,189. Ty Tyler, the chair of the panel, said the increase would make Oklahoma judicial salaries equivalent to the regional average. Oklahoma ranks 45th in judicial pay, according to Tyler. Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman, who serves as president of the Oklahoma Judges Association, said the cost would be about $10 million. The salaries of statewide elected officials were once tied to judicial salaries, but that was changed a decade ago.

Oklahoma Supreme Court Strikes Down Business Court

On October 7, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has struck down a new law that would have created a statewide Business Court system. The justices ruled that the legislation, Senate Bill 632, improperly delegated judicial authority and violated the separation of powers laid out in the state constitution. In particular, the court ruled that the law gave the executive and legislative branches too much influence over how the courts would operate and how judges would be appointed, undermining judicial independence. The court’s 6-2 decision was a setback for Gov. Kevin Stitt, who pushed the measure as part of a effort to make Oklahoma more “business friendly” and competitive with states like Texas and Delaware, where similar specialized business courts are used to resolve commercial disputes. The decision halts the creation of the business court system, which was scheduled to begin hearing cases in 2026.

Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

On October 9, state Sen. Nikki Nice (D-Oklahoma City) joined the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (OK-CADP) at the state Capitol to commemorate the World Day Against the Death Penalty, a global call to end capital punishment. Observed annually on October 10, the World Day Against the Death Penalty mobilizes political leaders against capital punishment. The initiative was launched in 2003 by the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, a global alliance of over 160 non-governmental organizations, bar associations, and local authorities. “This year, the annual observance is dedicated to challenging the misconception that the death penalty is a deterrent and makes communities safer,” Nice said. “This so-called `security argument’ not only politicizes what should rightly be an impartial and fair judicial process, but it also opens the door to human rights violations carried out under the guise of public protection.” Nice added, “I look forward to joining the continued conversation in advancing thoughtful reform and strengthening Oklahoma’s commitment to human rights.” Senator Nice scored zero on the 2025 Oklahoma Conservative Index.

Senior Advisor to the Governor

Governor Stitt announced that Dustin Hilliary, co-owner of Hilliary Communications and a respected figure in Oklahoma’s business, will serve as Senior Advisor to the Governor and chief negotiator with state legislators and elected officials. Hilliary is a third-generation entrepreneur who helped grow his family’s broadband, media, and telecommunications enterprise, bringing critical infrastructure and journalism to rural Oklahoma. In addition, his leadership on public and private sector governing boards underscores his capacity to bridge strategic vision with operational success.

Chief Operating Officer

Governor Stitt announced that David Ostrowe would return to the Governor’s office as Chief Operating Officer, replacing Rick Rose who resigned. He will drive cabinet coordination and support agency directors statewide. Previous to the appointment, Ostrowe was President & CEO of O&M Restaurant Group where he has led the expansion of established brands and launched new concepts across multiple states. During Stitts first term Ostrowe served as Oklahoma’s first Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration, overseeing 54 agencies, boards, and. In that role, he modernized operations, streamlined services, and advanced transparency across state government. His record of public service also includes chairing the Oklahoma Lottery, where he doubled state revenue, and ongoing leadership roles with charitable, private, and public boards. A Navy aviator and Airline Transport Pilot with thousands of flight hours, Ostrowe has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma’s Price College of Business.

New Secretary of State

Josh Cockroft resigned as Secretary of State and Governor Stitt had named his longtime adviser, Donelle Harder, take the position on October 1. But, he had to name a new Secretary of State after it was determined that Harder did not meet the requirements for the post. The state constitution requires that the person must have been eligible to vote in Oklahoma for at least 10 consecutive years, but Harder has only been eligible for eight years. Stitt instead named Ben Lepak, his general counsel, to the position on an interim basis until another replacement is appointed. Harder will instead serve as Stitt’s Chief of Staff. Harder previously managed Stitt’s campaigns and served as his spokesperson, senior advisor, and deputy Secretary of State. She previously worked for former U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe in Washington D.C.

Ethics Commission lawsuit against Rep. Ajay Pittman

On October 16, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit in Oklahoma County District Court against state Rep. Ajay Pittman (D-Oklahoma City) and the Attorney General’s Office confirmed it is investigating the legislator. The Ethics Commission alleges that Rep. Pittman committed fraud and breach of contract by filing fake documents concerning a settlement for a previous ethics investigation. It seeks actual and punitive damages, costs and attorney fees. In 2024, Pittman entered a settlement agreement with the Ethics Commission admitting she used her campaign account to pay expenses not related to her office or campaign. She also admitted to inaccurate reporting of $30,000 in contributions in 2020 and another $20,000 in 2022 and failed to maintain 2020 and 2022 campaign records. Pittman agreed to pay $35,000, which included reimbursements to her campaign and a civil penalty, but failed to follow through with the settlement. It is alleged that she submitted a fake document in the original investigation and a falsified check to the agency as proof she had made a payment from her personal funds as outlined in the settlement agreement. On October 17, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow) announced that he had removed Rep. Pittman from the State-Tribal Relations Committee.

Former Governor George Nigh Passes

Former Gov. George Nigh passed away July 30 at the age of 98. Nigh, a Democrat originally from McAlester, served four terms in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1950-1958. He was elected Lt. Governor in 1958. He then ran unsuccessfully for Governor in 1962, before running and again being elected Lt. Governor in 1966. He was reelected in 1970 and 1974. During his time as Lt. Governor, he served two short terms (14 days total) as Governor following the death of Gov. Robert S. Kerr and after the election of Gov. David Boren to the U.S. Senate. Nigh won a full term as Governor in 1978 and was reelected in 1982 – the first Oklahoman to serve two consecutive terms. He could not seek a third term in 1986 due to term limits. Nigh assumed the presidency of the University of Central Oklahoma in 1992, serving five years. In 2005, during the administration of Gov.

Brad Henry, he served as interim director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation from November 2005 to April 2006 during the search for a permanent director.

Passing of Former Rep. Debbie Blackburn

Former Democrat state Rep. Debbie Blackburn (D-Oklahoma City) passed away on August 10 at age 74. Blackburn was first elected to the Oklahoma House seat in 1994 and served 12 years. Blackburn’s husband of 47 years, Dr. Bob Blackburn, was the longtime executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma History Center. In the Oklahoma Legislature she championed numerous initiatives, including the Oklahoma College Savings Plan and the historic building rehabilitation tax credit. During her time in the Oklahoma Legislature, she scored a 16 percent cumulative average on the Oklahoma Conservative Index.

Passing of former Rep. Richard Morrissette

Former state Rep. Richard Morrissette (D-Oklahoma City) passed away on September 21 at 69 after fighting cancer in his bile duct. Morrissette, an attorney, was elected in 2004 to the seat in House District 92 and served through 2016 when he was term-limited. He ran for Corporation Commission in 2016 but withdrew from the primary race. He also ran unsuccessfully for Oklahoma City Council in Ward 4 in 2017. Before moving to Oklahoma, he served in the New Hampshire House from 1975 to 1981. For many years he was a regular commentator on the “Your Vote Counts” television segment which appeared on television newscasts on Channel 9 in Oklahoma City and Channel 6 in Tulsa. During his time in the Oklahoma Legislature, he was one of the more moderate (less liberal) Democrats, and scored a 42 percent cumulative average on the Oklahoma Conservative Index.

Oklahoma Named Finalist for Insurance Award

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready announced on October 7, that the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID)’s nomination had made the International Insurance Domicile of the Year shortlist. Oklahoma is one of six domiciles nominated for the award, which will be given as part of the 2025 European Captive Review Awards in Luxembourg on November 4. The awards recognize the top providers and professionals of captive insurance products and services in the insurance market. It rewards innovators, creative minds and customer service pros who have outperformed their competitors and demonstrated the highest levels of excellence over the previous 12 months. OID was named the 2024 Captive Domicile of the Year in the category of less than $5 billion in gross written premiums by Captive Review magazine.

Workforce Training Grant

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) announced on October 20, that it was awarded nearly $6 million through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund to expand employer-driven workforce training programs across the state. The grant, part of a national $86 million initiative announced by the U.S. Department of Labor, will help Oklahoma strengthen domestic production and address critical workforce needs in high-demand industries. The initiative will focus on training in aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, and AI infrastructure and data centers. Through this funding, OESC will collaborate with the Oklahoma Workforce Commission, CareerTech, and higher education partners to develop new training pipelines aligned with employer needs.

OESC will also partner with Guild, a workforce education provider, to create a regional training catalog that integrates CareerTech and college programs with Guild’s curated online offerings.

Oklahoma a Top Ten State in Medicaid-financed Births

A new study reveals that Oklahoma ranks fourth when it comes to the share of births financed by Medicaid in the U.S. The research conducted by Birth Injury Lawyers Group analyzed Medicaid-financed birth records from 2019 to 2023 across all 50 states, reviewing five consecutive years of data to identify patterns and trends using the National Center for Health Statistics. For each state, the total number of births financed by Medicaid in each year was compiled, averaged over the period, and then standardized based on total live births to calculate the rate per 1,000 births. Oklahoma ranks fourth with an annual average of 512 Medicaid-financed births per 1,000 live births, which is 30% higher than the national average of 394.46. Between 2019 and 2023, Oklahoma averaged 24,702 Medicaid-financed births per year, with the highest recorded total of 24,896 in 2019 and the lowest at 24,198 in 2020. Further information is available at: www.birthinjurylawyer.com