Dillon Travis won the Republican runoff for Oklahoma House District 35, defeating Mike Waters with more than 78 percent of the vote and carrying every precinct in the district.The rancher from Maramec will face Democrat Luke Kruse in the Feb. 10 special general election for the vacant seat. HD 35 has been held by Republicans since 1985, though Kruse has been actively campaigning ahead of the election. The seat opened after former Rep. Ty Burns resigned following a plea agreement related to domestic violence charges.
Jim Marshall was appointed in December 2025 as Director of Administration for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission,replacing Brandy Wreath and taking on responsibility for the agency’s daily operations. He brings extensive state government experience, having held executive roles across several Oklahoma agencies, including labor, health, and insurance. Shortly after starting, Marshall made a high-profile decision to terminate the commission’s communications director following Wreath’s dismissal. His background also includes advanced degrees in public administration, economics, and business, along with deep family roots in Oklahoma.
Rep. Ron Stewart of Tulsa was appointed House Democratic Whip for the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus during the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature. He was selected by House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson following the resignation of Rep. Forrest Bennett. Stewart said he is eager to take on the role and work with colleagues to deliver results for working Oklahoma families. The 2026 legislative session is set to begin Feb. 2.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down a 2025 law that would have allowed elected officials to remove members of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust board before their terms ended. The court ruled the law unconstitutional, saying it conflicted with voter-approved provisions that require board members to serve staggered seven-year terms. Justices said lawmakers do not have the authority to change those fixed terms or create a removal process not outlined in the state constitution. The decision blocks House Bill 2783 and reinforces protections meant to keep the trust insulated from political influence.
Weekly Wrap Up
After this week’s filing deadline, there are:
962 HB requests, 1578 filed
1373 SB requests, 996 filed
50 HJRs, 24 SJRs filed.
These join the 2628 carry-overs from last year.
The Second Regular Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature convenes February 2nd at 12:00pm.
To see the full legislative calendar, click the link to view the House Calendar and Senate Calendar.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Right after the inauguration, I got a call to go serve in the Trump administration to fight every single day for the America First agenda,”Former House Speaker T.W. Shannon said regarding announcing his campaign for Lt. Governor. “But now I’m ready to come home.”