The Latest in Oklahoma: September 5, 2025
A&A Advocates
Matt Langston, a top advisor to Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters, has earned a six-figure public salary while working mostly from Texas and running a political consulting business. Despite a state directive ending telework, key card records show he appeared at the Department of Education office only 42 times since 2023. The agency initially refused to release this data, citing security concerns, but was forced to comply after the Attorney General confirmed it was public. Other out-of-state political operatives are also on the department’s payroll, raising questions about transparency and misuse of public funds.
Governor Stitt has scheduled special elections to fill Ty Burns’ vacant House District 35 seat. Candidate filing will take place October 6–8, 2025, with election dates set for December 9 (primary), January 13 (runoff, if needed), and February 10 (general, if needed). This timeline ensures the seat will likely be filled in time for the majority of the 2026 legislative session.
Freshman lawmaker Jim Shaw launched the “Save Oklahoma Plan” to reshape the 2026 Republican primaries and hold candidates accountable to conservative values. Shaw is funding the effort with $100,000 of his own money and support from 21 grassroots groups. The plan outlines seven core issues, including opposing green energy policies and taxpayer-funded lobbying. Shaw aims to expand influence beyond his district and challenge the state’s political establishment.
Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert said he didn’t know Rep. Ty Burns was under investigation for domestic abuse until after the Legislature’s regular session ended.Burns was later convicted of assaulting his wife and trying to run a van carrying his daughter off the road. Despite Burns’ leadership role, the case remained private until August 28, when he pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor charges. Hilbert said he first learned of the investigation from the attorney general and called Burns’ resignation “the right decision.”
Interim Studies
The interim study period began on August 1, 2025 and will end November 6, 2025.
Click to view the House and Senate interim studies.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Oklahoma Decides is where political curiosity meets reality,” Chad Warmington, president and CEO of The State Chamber, said in a news release regarding their new platform. “From confirmed candidates to names just whispered about, it’s the go-to source for who may step into the arena. Elections shape Oklahoma’s future, and informed voters shape elections. With OKDecides.com, we’re giving citizens a clear, engaging way to follow the buzz, see who’s running, and make decisions that will move our state forward.”