Representative Chris Banning

R

District 24

Hi, I'm Chris Banning and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 24th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Oct 2, 2025
Recent Posts

Banning Applauds Fields as New State Superintendent

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, today congratulated Lindel Fields on his appointment as Oklahoma’s new State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Gov. Kevin Stitt named Fields, a retired CareerTech administrator and executive leadership consultant from Tulsa, to serve out the remainder of Ryan Walters’ unexpired term. Fields brings more than 30 years of experience in education, including his tenure as superintendent and CEO of Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, where he helped lead the center to a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Banning said Fields’ track record as a steady, results-driven leader will serve Oklahoma schools well. “Lindel Fields is the kind of leader Oklahoma students, parents and teachers need right now,” Banning said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with him through leadership training seminars for my own executives, and I’ve seen firsthand the integrity and wisdom he brings to every room. He’s calm under pressure, clear in his vision and committed to bringing out the best in others.” Fields retired from CareerTech in 2021 and has since worked with schools, businesses and local governments across Oklahoma through his firm, Your Culture Coach. His leadership coaching has been credited with helping organizations improve performance and better serve their communities.

Sep 5, 2025
Recent Posts

Banning Voices Concerns Over Mandating E-Verification

OKLAHOMA CITY - In response to ongoing discussions about mandating E-Verify for employees in Oklahoma, Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, chair of the House Business Committee, issued the following statement:  “Although I appreciate the intent to protect Oklahoma jobs and wages, I have serious concerns about placing additional burdens on Oklahoma’s small businesses,” Banning said. “Requiring E-Verify for every W-2 employee would subject most Oklahomans to yet another federal database and would create additional regulatory challenges for Oklahoma businesses. If a business chooses to utilize E-Verify, I respect their decision but I cannot support making its use mandatory for every employer and employee in our state.”  E-Verify is a federal program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration. The system allows employers to confirm the employment eligibility of employees by comparing information from an employee’s Form I-9. Federal law already mandates Form I-9, which confirms employee eligibility to work in the United States.  Under federal law, most private employers are not required to use E-Verify unless they hold federal contracts or operate in states where its use is mandated. In Oklahoma, private employers are not required to use E-Verify though some choose to do so voluntarily. Banning emphasized that while he supports efforts to address illegal immigration, he believes any solution should balance enforcement with protecting small businesses and Oklahomans’ liberty.  “I fully support upholding the law and ensuring individuals come to the United States legally,” Banning said. “However, we must be careful not to create unnecessary obstacles for the Oklahoma businesses that drive our economy.”

Aug 15, 2025
Recent Posts

Legislators Unite to Appreciate Teachers

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa, Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, and Sen. Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby, are welcoming Oklahoma teachers back to the classroom and thanking them for their dedication to students. Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, commended teachers who play a vital part in shaping students' future. “Oklahoma teachers work tirelessly to inspire and prepare the next generation,” Banning said. “Your influence extends far beyond academics. You teach resilience, encourage kindness towards others and build the foundation for lifelong success. I deeply appreciate the heart and energy you bring into the classroom each day.” Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, expressed gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice teachers bring to their work. “As the school year kicks off we want to say how much we appreciate the work you do every single day,” Tedford said. “We know teaching takes more than lesson plans and grading papers. It takes patience, creativity and a deep commitment to your students. The impact you have reaches far beyond the classroom and lasts a lifetime.” Sen. Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby, emphasized the role of Oklahoma educators in preparing students for higher education and the workforce. "Oklahoma’s dedicated teachers are shaping our future by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher education, the workforce and in life,” Guthrie said. “I’m incredibly grateful for their commitment and wish everyone a safe and successful school year." Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, recognized the lasting influence teachers have on their students and communities. "Oklahoma's teachers are the backbone of our communities. They invest daily in the growth, confidence and potential of our children. Teachers: your dedication inside and outside the classroom shapes not only individual lives but the future of our state. We are thankful for the important work you do and hope this school year is both rewarding and successful."