Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt met with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., to discuss who will fill the U.S. Senate seat expected to open if Senator Markwayne Mullin is confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Stitt said he plans to appoint a “principled small-government conservative” and will make a decision quickly once Mullin’s confirmation is complete. During the visit, Stitt also met with Senator James Lankford and Senate Republican leader John Thune to discuss the upcoming appointment. When asked if he might run for the seat himself, Stitt said his focus is currently on choosing the best person to represent Oklahoma.
A bill advancing through the Oklahoma Senate aims to help struggling rural communities attract new residents and boost local economies. Senate Bill 1696 would create an Oklahoma Talent Attraction and Relocation Revolving Fund, managed by the state Commerce Department, to support incentives that encourage people from outside the state to move to rural areas. Supporters say the program could help small towns that lack resources to attract new businesses and workers. The bill does not yet include a specific funding amount and could still be amended as it moves forward.
Leaders from Oklahoma joined officials from other states at the National Governors Association’s 2026 Workforce Development Policy Institute to discuss strategies for improving workforce programs. Trae Rahill, CEO of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, said the meeting focused on sharing best practices related to job training, workforce grants, and the impact of artificial intelligence on future employment. Rahill acknowledged that Oklahoma has faced challenges meeting employers’ workforce needs but said better coordination among schools, businesses, and workforce organizations could help address the issue. He emphasized that stronger partnerships and local collaboration will be key to preparing workers for future job demands.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has filed a court action against the Statewide Charter School Board over its rejection of a proposed Jewish virtual charter school. The board denied the application from the National Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation, citing Oklahoma law that requires charter schools to remain nonsectarian and referencing past court rulings against publicly funded religious charter schools. Drummond argued the board intentionally failed to list all valid reasons for the rejection, accusing members of manipulating the record to make a potential federal lawsuit easier to pursue. He asked a judge to require the board to issue a complete and detailed rejection letter explaining all grounds for the decision.
Weekly Wrap Up
Upcoming Deadlines
03/18-20: Legislative Spring Break. House and Senate are in session Monday and Tuesday.
03/26: Deadline for Third Reading and Final Passage of Bills and Joint Resolutions by the Chamber of Origin (House and Senate)
04/09: Deadline for Sbs/SJRs out of Policy Committees & Appropriation Subcommittees
04/23: Deadline for SBs/SJRs out of Oversight, Admin Rules, Appropriations & Rules Committees
04/23: Deadline to report House measures from Senate committees
To see the full legislative calendar, click the link to view the House Calendar and Senate Calendar.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Lisa and I decided to not run for governor because we were ready for a new chapter outside politics. While the announced developments in our congressional delegation opened up that conversation again the past few days, it has not changed how we feel about pursuing something new outside of politics,” Lt. Governor Pinnell said regarding if he will run for another political office. “ I will not be a candidate for any elected public office this year. Serving the state as lieutenant governor has been an incredible honor, and we’re excited about a new season in our family’s life when my term is finished.”