The Latest in Oklahoma: December 12, 2025
Dillon Travis and Mike Waters finished first and second in the special Republican primary for Oklahoma House District 35, advancing to a January runoff. The seat opened after former Rep. Ty Burns resigned following a misdemeanor domestic assault plea. Travis, a cattle rancher, emphasized his long-time Republican identity, while Waters, a former Democratic sheriff who switched parties, secured a runoff spot by only 11 votes. The runoff winner will face Democrat Luke Kruse in a February general election to fill the seat for the remainder of the term.
Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed Amy Blackburn as the new director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, an agency that’s spent years dealing with scandals and leadership turnover. Blackburn replaces interim director Sterling Zearley, who will stay on during the transition. Her appointment follows a series of controversies involving past directors, including criminal investigations and questioned contracts. Stitt said Blackburn’s experience in marketing and state promotion makes her well suited to stabilize the agency and guide it into major upcoming events like the Route 66 Centennial.
Oklahoma utility regulators refused to reopen a case that allows OG&E to move forward with more than $500 million in new energy projects. Two consumer groups had asked for another review, arguing the plans could lead to unreasonably high rates. Commissioners Kim David and Brian Bingman voted against reconsidering, while Todd Hiett dissented, saying some projects weren’t the lowest-cost options and needed stronger protections. The decision comes amid tension between OG&E and Hiett, who recently declined the utility’s request for him to recuse himself from the case.
Gov. Kevin Stitt criticized President Donald Trump’s attempt to stop wind energy projects, pointing to a Rhode Island project that was nearly finished before being halted. He said canceling projects at that stage looks political and argued that energy decisions shouldn’t swing with each administration. Stitt also emphasized that Oklahoma’s low energy costs come from supporting many energy sources, including wind, where the state ranks third nationally. His remarks came shortly after a federal judge struck down Trump’s executive order blocking wind development.
Weekly Wrap Up
Upcoming Deadline
12/19 Senate Bill Language deadline
12/29 House Bill details to follow deadline
To see the full legislative calendar, click the link to view the House Calendar and Senate Calendar.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Remember the teacher walkouts? Billion dollar deficits. No money in savings,” Governor Stitt said regarding the state’s finances. “Really proud of where we’re at today. We have the largest savings account we’ve ever had. I’ve cut over $1 billion in taxes.”