The Latest in Oklahoma: October 10, 2025
A&A Advocates
Oklahomans should expect higher electricity bills over the next few years due to rising demand from both residential use and expanding industries like data centers and manufacturing. State Energy Secretary Jeff Starling emphasized that while these large users contribute to the strain, everyday electrification in households is also a major driver. Utilities have already implemented rate increases and proposed further infrastructure investments, prompting pushback from groups like AARP, which advocate for separate rate classes for high-demand customers. Starling maintains that Oklahoma is better positioned than many states due to its low energy costs and abundant natural gas.
Texas’ rapid population and housing growth is expanding northward into Oklahoma, with developers like Ross Perot Jr. predicting a seamless development corridor between the two states in the next few decades. Cities like Durant and Tulsa are trying to adapt, but Oklahoma’s restrictive tax structure—relying solely on sales tax—limits their ability to support and plan for sustained growth. Meanwhile, local leaders and residents are divided on how to manage this expansion, with calls for better infrastructure, thoughtful planning, and reforms to attract investment. Real estate experts argue Oklahoma must move beyond quick builds and focus on building full communities.
The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus is a group of conservative lawmakers formed within the state legislature to advocate for limited government, constitutional principles, and individual liberties. Its membership includes both newly elected and long-serving Republican senators and representatives. Prominent members include Sen. Shane Jett, Rep. Jim Olsen, and several others who frequently speak at conservative events and press conferences. The caucus aims to influence state policy by pushing for more hardline conservative legislation.
Following Ryan Walters’ resignation, the race for Oklahoma state superintendent has grown crowded, with six candidates now in the running for the 2026 election. New entrants include Republican Sen. Adam Pugh and Democrat Craig McVay, who join a field of educators and former school officials focused on issues like literacy, teacher retention, and restoring trust in public education. The race features distinct political and personal perspectives, with some candidates emphasizing experience, while others call for a break from past controversies. Primaries are set for June 2026, with possible runoffs in August and the general election in November.
An environmental emergency has been declared in Caddo County, Oklahoma, after a significant saltwater purge contaminated Five Mile Creek, killing wildlife and at least 28 cattle. Governor Kevin Stitt authorized emergency funds for cleanup, calling the incident a serious threat to public health and safety. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is investigating the source, with a nearby commercial saltwater disposal well being a possible culprit. Tanker trucks are currently removing the fluid as officials test local water wells for further contamination.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down Senate Bill 632, ruling business courts unconstitutional due to its method of appointing judges, which violated the state’s requirement for judicial elections. The bill would have created special business courts with judges appointed by the governor, but the court said this bypassed voters’ rights. Justices found the bill could not be salvaged by severing portions, rendering it entirely void. Dissenting justices argued the case should have started in lower courts and lacked sufficient factual grounding.
President Donald Trump is reportedly open to reviving the Keystone XL pipeline project after a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who raised the idea during trade talks. The proposed pipeline would carry crude oil from Alberta to Oklahoma and the Gulf Coast, but the project was previously canceled under President Biden. While Trump has expressed interest, Canadian company South Bow — which took over the pipeline business from TC Energy — says it has “moved on” from the project. Discussions remain in early stages, with no confirmed plans or commitments.
Oklahoma’s Secretary of Energy and Environment, Jeff Starling, has announced his candidacy for state attorney general in the 2026 election. Starling, a former litigator and corporate legal executive, emphasized his outsider status and commitment to public service over political ambition. He plans to focus on shutting down illegal marijuana operations, upholding laws protecting the unborn, and defending Second Amendment rights. Starling will face former legislator Jon Echols in the Republican primary, with current Attorney General Gentner Drummond running for governor.
Interim Studies
The interim study period began on August 1, 2025 and will end November 6, 2025.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I was surprised that Governor Abbott sent troops from Texas to Illinois,”Governor Stitt said regarding Texas’ decision to deploy National Guard troops across state lines in response to immigration enforcement concerns. “Abbott and I sued the Biden administration when the shoe was on the other foot and the Biden administration was trying to force us to vaccinate all of our soldiers and force masks across the country. As a federalist believer, one governor against another governor, I don’t think that’s the right way to approach this.”