The Latest in Oklahoma: November 15, 2024
A&A Advocates
In the upcoming 119th U.S. Congress, Oklahoma lawmakers Senator James Lankford and Representative Kevin Hern will take on new leadership roles. Senator Lankford has been elected Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference, a position focused on communicating Republican priorities to the public. Representative Hern has been chosen as Chair of the House Republican Policy Committee, which plays a key role in advising House Republicans on legislative matters. Both leaders will begin their new roles in the next session of Congress.
Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Elect Lonnie Paxton outlined his 2025 priorities, focusing on infrastructure improvements, well-funded public schools, and uniting the Senate Republican caucus despite a narrow leadership vote. He emphasized addressing emerging issues like artificial intelligence, proposing new committees to tackle regulatory needs after last session’s failed legislative efforts. Paxton expressed interest in adapting federal efficiency policies, including a potential Department of Government Efficiency under a Trump administration led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, as a model for Oklahoma.
Several candidates are already preparing for Oklahoma’s 2026 elections, including figures such as Leisa Mitchell Haynes, who is running for governor as a Republican outsider inspired by spiritual experiences, and State Treasurer Todd Russ, seeking reelection after transferring funds from his previous campaign. District Attorneys Angela Marsee and Tommy Humphries have begun early efforts to retain their seats, with Marsee reporting significant early fundraising. Additionally, JeKia Harrison, president of Young Democrats of Oklahoma, plans to run for House District 97, aiming to succeed Jason Lowe, who is pursuing a county commissioner role.
On November 13, 2024, the Oklahoma Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the potential disqualification of Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett from cases involving major utility companies. This follows allegations of Hiett’s inappropriate conduct at industry events and concerns about conflicts of interest. Three state representatives filed a petition seeking his removal from proceedings related to Oklahoma Natural Gas, Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company, and Public Service Company of Oklahoma.
The recent vacancy on the Oklahoma Supreme Court has sparked significant interest among potential candidates. The Judicial Nominating Commission is responsible for reviewing applications and forwarding a list of qualified nominees to the governor, who will then appoint a new justice. The high level of interest reflects the importance of this judicial position and the impact it has on Oklahoma’s legal landscape.
2025 Legislative Calendar
With freshman legislators being sworn in, the Oklahoma House and Senate are gearing up for key legislative milestones: the bill request deadline on December 6and the bill filing deadline on January 16.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I am grateful to my fellow members who chose me to lead the Senate moving forward,” Senator Lonnie Paxton said in a press release after being elected as the new Oklahoma Senate Pro Tempore. “The Oklahoma Legislature has never been in a better position overall to make changes and pass legislation that benefit Oklahomans. I am excited for this new chapter, and I will work every day to ensure we continue to build on our success. I have learned many lessons during my time in the Senate.”